New York State Assemblyman Rob Walker (R, C, I, WF - Hicksville) is offering assistance to any of the more than 3,000 members of the Woman's Domain Health Club who were defrauded by the club owners. The club, which was located at 382 West Old Country Road in Hicksville, abruptly closed its doors in April 2007 and members were not reimbursed for membership fees.

"Consumers expect a certain level of service and trust when they enter a long-term contract with health clubs, and the owners of Woman's Domain violated that trust," said Walker. "I want everyone affected by this incident to know that my office and staff will assist in the process of retrieving the balance of their membership fees."

A statement released by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office said the Woman's Domain Health Club violated state law when they failed to post a bond of between $50,000 and $200,000 that would have protected members if the contract is violated or the business closes and has permanently barred the business from operating.

Consumers can call the attorney general's Nassau regional office at 248-3302, if they believe they are entitled to a refund.

"I am exploring the necessity of legislation that would better protect consumers from losing hard earned money," said Walker. "It seems to me that the attorney general's office should be able to restrict businesses that do not provide bond protection from continuing to operate before another incident like this occurs."

If you lost membership fees and need help contact Assemblyman Walker's district office at 937-3571 or email to walkerr2@assembly.state.ny.us.