Comfort Castle Closes Amid Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Complaints

Physical, a chain of fitness and beauty centers, has temporarily closed its doors, sparking a wave of complaints from consumers. The government has set up a dedicated inter-departmental investigation team to follow up on the case.

Consumer Council Receives Over 2,400 Complaints

The Consumer Council has received a total of 2,429 complaints about the incident, involving a total amount of NT$86,417,562. The average amount involved per case was NT$35,577, with the highest amount involved being NT$1,817,600 and the lowest being NT$99.

Customs and Police Launch Investigation

Customs and the police have launched a joint investigation into the unfair trade practices of Physical, with the customs receiving over 900 reports involving more than NT$38 million in prepaid fitness and beauty services. The police have received 20 related reports, with losses ranging from NT$2,000 to NT$660,000.

Directors Arrested and Released on Bail

Two directors of Physical, Lu Yiqiang and He Yuhua, have been arrested on suspicion of violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. They have been released on bail pending investigation.

Consumer Council Warns of Risks in Prepayment Consumption

The Consumer Council has warned consumers of the risks involved in prepayment consumption, particularly in the fitness and beauty industry. Director-General Huang Fengxian has advised consumers to be cautious when signing contracts and to firmly refuse if they do not want to purchase services.

Case Involving Over NT$1.8 Million

In one case, a woman had signed a 10-year membership contract in 2016, followed by two more memberships in 2023, each with a 10-year contract that will take effect in 2026 and 2037. The total amount involved was over NT$1.8 million, with some classes not yet started and valid until 2050.

Lowest Case Involving NT$99

In another case, a consumer had paid NT$99 for a monthly credit card payment, but was unable to contact the merchant to suspend the payment, resulting in a “chicken and egg” issue.

Consumer Council Urges Consumers to Report to Customs

The Consumer Council has urged affected consumers to report to Customs, with over 73 complaints involving elderly people aged 65 or above, involving up to NT$300,000.