MONTCALM COUNTY, Mich. – JoAnn Plath lives a short distance from Dreamland Tanning and Fitness in Howard City.
She said the salon's hot lights help soothe her fibromyalgia, so earlier this year she paid for unlimited access for one year. She paid $221.10, according to her bank statement.
"I went there for 3 months before they closed,” Plath said.
According to Plath, the business closed without notice in late June. The sign on their door said they won't be reopening. The business's Facebook post from June 28th said the same thing.
"I was angry. I was frustrated that a business would treat their customers that way,” Plath said.
The Facebook post encourages customers to ask any questions.
"There has been no communication. My husband did send them a letter, and it was returned,” Plath said.
Everyone FOX 17 spoke with said the owner is Scott Horn. Plath said she tried messaging Horn through the business's Facebook page and called a number listed under his name. However, she said she got nothing.
Plath said, "Everybody works for their money, and Mr. Horn, regardless if it was a bankruptcy thing or whatever might have occurred to cause him to close, should have at least responded.”
“That's what makes me upset,” she added.
So Plath contacted the FOX 17 Problem Solvers. The building's landlord told FOX 17, customers have been stopping by the strip mall looking for owner Scott Horn.
These are people whose belongings are still inside in lockers and those who've paid for long-term tanning and gym memberships.
FOX 17 called the number on the business's front door. We then drove about 40 minutes to a home listed for a person named Scott Horn. No one answered.
Also, FOX 17 sent a message on Facebook to “Dreamland Tanning and Fitness.” An administrator for the Facebook page replied. The Facebook page administrator said they messaged Horn for (Darren Cunningham), and told Horn to call (Darren Cunningham) as soon as possible.
When Plath was asked if she’d do anything differently, she said, “I wouldn't go back to Dreamland Tanning, and I guess I would try to get a written guarantee that they're not going to just up and take off and leave me hanging."
If you're going to sign up for prepaid services, use precaution.
Scott Horn hasn't reached FOX 17 back yet. We will stay on top of this situation.
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