Consumers group to file class action lawsuit against True Yoga Fitness

Kaohsiung, Oct. 29 (CNA) The Consumer Protection Association in Taiwan (CPAT) said Wednesday that it is opening applications for victims to join a class-action lawsuit against True Yoga Fitness, which abruptly ceased operations in Taiwan on Oct. 1.

Those who have not received full refunds can apply from Wednesday through Dec. 15 by filling out forms available on the CPAT website and mail them back with receipts or other proof of purchase to the CPAT office in Kaohsiung, the association said at a press conference.

Lawyer Liu Shu-ching (劉淑清) urged affected customers to join the lawsuit, calling it "the last line of defense" after the chain went out of business, leaving many unable to reclaim losses from paid subscription fees or unused classes.

Singapore-based fitness chain True Yoga Fitness suspended operations at six out of 13 outlets in Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan on Sept. 23 without prior notice.

The company later announced on Sept. 30 that it would cease all operations from Oct. 1 and begin bankruptcy and liquidation proceedings, citing heavy losses from the COVID-19 pandemic and a weak economy.

If more than 20 people suffer losses in an alleged consumer rights violation case, consumer protection groups can pursue a class-action lawsuit on behalf of members, according to the Consumer Protection Act.

The victims do not have to pay court fees nor appear in court, the CPAT said.

For more information, victims can call the CPAT at (07)9700726, contact the Executive Yuan's Consumer Protection Committee, or reach out to consumer services centers in their cities, the CPAT said.