SAN DIEGO -- A San Diego gym owner is accused of selling promises of fitness and fun, but thinning out his clients' wallets instead, the 10News I-Team reported.

I-Team reporter Mitch Blacher recently visited Shane Franklin, a man authorities around the country say has a history of taking money without delivering the services he promises.

"He was an insane salesman. He could talk you into buying anything," said gym client Paul Kaplan.

Kaplan was one of Franklin's San Diego customers. He wanted to join Franklin's gym on Waring Road, but months after he paid for his membership the gym still has not opened.

"They said in June, it would open in July. In July, they said August. In August, they said September, and September, October. So it's gone on for six months," said Kaplan.

The I-Team learned that Franklin has done something similar in the past.

Police in Reno, Nev., continue to investigate why Franklin's gym in their city sits empty and why members are suing him to get their money back.

At Franklin's El Cajon Blvd. location, I-Team producers went undercover to sign up for a membership and learned how Franklin gets people to join his gyms.

The I-Team learned his sales tactics revolve around a banner that can be seen from the street. The banner hanging off his buildings and the literature he hands to clients all say "Powerhouse Gym," which is a legitimate and thriving franchise.

"With the Powerhouse logo why would you even question this guy?" said Kaplan.

The I-Team learned Powerhouse Gym's management in Detroit has written to Franklin, saying: "The unauthorized use of our trademark is a blatant misrepresentation to the consumers … You are not legally authorized to utilize the Powerhouse Gym name in any aspect."

Despite that, the I-Team discovered something unusual at his San Diego State University-area location.

Blacher found that Franklin covered up "Reno" on a sign with a rug.

"Hey, Mr. Franklin, how you doing?" asked Blacher.

"No cameras, no interviews, no nothing," Franklin responded.

"We'd like to talk to you about your business real quick."

"No, no, no."

"I'd like to know why you're signing people up for a gym that doesn't exist."

"Is the camera on or off?"

"Still on."

"Turn it off; I'll let you contact my attorney."

The I-Team contacted Franklin's attorney a week ago but received no response.

The I-Team then visited Franklin's La Mesa gym location.

"This one's open for business?" asked Blacher.

"We're getting it open. We got the fire marshal coming today," said an employee.

At the Waring Road location, an employee told the I-Team, "We have people who signed up in April who still are waiting for their membership to kick in … because we had some problem with the parking lot."

The I-Team has invited Franklin to speak on camera in a future report.