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Looking for answers after LA Weight Loss closes

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Days after several weight loss centers closed its doors in the Charlotte area, more than 30 complaints have been filed by frustrated employees and customers who want their money back.

"We have some that are out of a couple thousand dollars between what they've paid for membership, in annual membership and then what they purchased in food that they haven't received in food yet," said Tom Bartholomy, President of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Piedmont.

Friday, all 10 LA Weight Loss Centers in the area closed, without warning.

"They were given no notice, they're gonna be paid up until the last day they worked, but no severance and some of these people were with them for years," said Bartholomy.

We asked Bartholomy if the company has to reimburse the customers who paid, in some cases, thousands of dollars. He said according to state law they don’t have to.

"So there really is no other recourse for customers of this franchise and that really is unfortunate," said Bartholomy.

We tried tracking down the owner of the franchise, Rick Rex, by phone and at a house records show belongs to him. So far, we have yet to hear back from him. The BBB hasn’t had much luck either.

"We've been trying to get a hold of them because they won't return our calls. Now we're gonna see if the complaints get their attention," said Bartholomy.

There are reports that LA Weight Loss Centers are closing across the country, but Bartholomy says they are handling their final days in business much better.

“The corporate owned locations aren't going out like this at all, the ones that are closing. They're taking care of their past customers, delivering their products. If they're do any refunds for membership fees, they're making good on it. This particular franchise isn't playing that way,” said Bartholomy.

With the weight loss center shutting down all 10 of its area locations, the BBB suspects hundreds of people will be out of money when it’s all said and done.