Bay Area shop charges woman with Alzheimer's $7K+ for products; I-Team steps in

Sophie, who has an early onset of Alzheimer's, says an Elements employee invited her inside at the Los Gatos shop, offered her champagne, and sampled skincare products on her. Before she could realize, she was charged nearly $7,400 for products she never requested. abc7ne.ws/4aEPA0u
#consumer #alzheimer #losgatos #investigative #abc7news

[@craftmom5302]

F rating means he has a history of ripping people off. Take him to court

[@JackiJinx]

This completely. And considering the circumstances, I highly doubt that loan would hold up in court at all (doubt it'd be considered consensual in this circumstance)

[@easterworshipper5579]

his name is 'goldman;. what do you expect?

[@pamiam9017]

@@easterworshipper5579 Goldin

[@JoeFlation]

@@easterworshipper5579 and your name makes me believe you are a very unpleasant hate monger.

[@snowyholly6743]

You throw him in prison

[@citygirl5705]

How can a business owner be so dumb as to not understand that he will lose way more business than the measly $2000 he scammed from her????? He's done.

[@justayoutuber1906]

Because he's probably done this lots of times

[@crypticnomad]

The same basic question could be asked of most criminals. I think that a lot of criminals have that same or similar lack in ability to see past right now.

[@susannpatton2893]

7 thousand. Not 2

[@Annie-ho4mq]

@@susannpatton2893I don’t think you finished watching the video

[@TheCatherineCC]

because the rest of society are idiots who believe in non-violence

[@jackiechristian-di6sy]

I accidentally walked into one of the Elements store and I was lucky to be able to leave without a purchase. I told them I was gonna call the police if they continued to stand between me and the door. I called Better Business Bureau on them. They finally closed down in my city!

[@jasonscott4366]

This didnt happen.

[@lollybowser]

​@@jasonscott4366lmao why do you keep commenting this on ppl's comments with similar experiences? Are you an Elements employee??? Are you the guy from the vid?

[@409BFMV409]

@@lollybowseroh he deff is, scamming little weasel trying to hide for his butt buddy owner

[@chrrycola2717]

@@jasonscott4366be quite already

[@bstrange6236]

@@lollybowser exactly

[@just_cayte]

The fact that he refunded all but $1756.83 tells you that's over a 300% markup on this crap. They'll teach you a system of ripping off their customers to be sure.

[@yeetnama9094]

I guarantee you that they're from Israel. They're all over mall kiosks too

[@helpis0ntheway]

Did they show an itemized bill for all the devices he refunded & creams he didn't? Curious if I missed a part.

[@nondescriptnyc]

If you go to websites like Gilt, you will see some cosmetics discounted by 99% (priced at $4,000 but, for limited time only, the price is $39.99!)-and they are still making money. So, the markup is north of 9900%.

[@freeto9139]

The fact that she remembers much of what happened, being shown different techniques, given champagne, an inordinate amount of time lapsed then the pushed her out the door with merchandise. But, she doesn't remember giving them her card, nor signing ... Sounds like she got slipped something, or that champagne would not have worn off so fast 🤔 There may be more to this than meets the eye!

[@najmatos3555]

@@freeto9139my aunt has the same condition and she forgets pieces of things that happen so this could be the case…. She will Cook a whole meal and not remember making certain dishes

[@tchlin]

Anyone who invites you into a store from the sidewalk just run.

[@rf159a]

I'm from NJ and it reminds me of the guys on the boardwalk from many, many years ago that use to invite you in their stores for a knife demonstration!!

[@christinechacon8549]

Exactly!

[@tchlin]

@@rf159a I remember Times Square being like that before Disney took over.

[@KayDValthisbe]

Seriously.

[@karencarpenter5845]

​@rf159a that reminds me of Sweeney Todd the uk play and movie.😂

[@seriousbutfunny2]

They need to take away her debit card and replace it with a credit card that gives her more protection.

[@GeorgiaWhisper]

Right. A credit card with a limit/alert.

[@Master63y]

And or approval required before payment. Like the kind they make for kids

[@c7adventures376]

Might be time to stop going places alone.

[@fabianmckenna8197]

Absolutely........ My mother-in-law developed alzheimer's age 88 and first thing her son did was remove her cards and cheque book. She was getting calls, messages and emails from all and sundry with demands fo payment of unwanted goods which never arrived anyway. A text arrived from "Amazon" supposedly seeking £2,500 for a TV that had not been returned along with several similar scams and of course she kept answering junk calls like that. Finally removed the phone but she would still get upset about not having paid and feared arrest. Son also stopped all of her charity donations including world hunger, water, children's education, donkeys, bears, lions etc which was costing her £95 a month. One well known charity which had always been close to her heart, actually sent her a letter requesting she increase her already substantial donations as inflation had reduced them. Son just cancelled them all!

[@johnbarber7952]

We took all my grandma's cards away and always make sure she has $40 cash on her at all times. Everyone's happy this way.

[@tjmichael8773]

I once worked for a financial car loan company and someone financed 3 cars in one day. It was later determined he suffered from bipolar and the company did the right thing and tore up the contract.

[@kashawnk2975]

Wow that’s very understanding. Most car dealerships only cares about your money

[@blackcherry6877]

3 cars in one day? Either the cars were very cheap or he was rich.

[@anicesuprise1459]

That's a good company! .y mum and I have this and it can get like this at times.personally not cars lol but home products x

[@newmove4378]

Litigating this would be far more trouble than it was worth and the company would have lost significantly in terms of lawyers fees etc. They were right to rip up the contract.

[@AB-ol5uz]

One of the signs of bipolar is manic shopping...

[@Spoopball]

the fact the place gives out "loans" for their products explains it all

[@jacksonrelaxin3425]

You’ll break out in pimples if you miss a payment!

[@asiamommi]

This is an "upscale" version of the people that harass you from their mall kiosk, with their garbage skin and hand creams.

[@ambermyers7463]

The question is why are malls allowing these aggressive kiosks?? Main reason I no longer visit the mall.

[@jonnablu88]

​@@ambermyers7463The reason is $$$$$$$$$$!

[@vicentelopez3888]

I need head east bay

[@sunshinesunflowerz1647]

Had one of these experiences when I visited the mall, here in TN and it was a Jewish woman. Products were expensive AF!

[@MinervaAlvarez-dx3jc]

Right and the kicker is the best skincare is going to be straightforward, more neutral products not luxury products that hinge on some new rare ingredient. Dermatologists say it time and time again: the best products are going to be La Roche Posay and Rovectin.

[@MrJackwork]

Don't we have elder abuse laws that cover this?

[@Rickets1911]

You have to get them to uphold the laws; not just create them

[@bfrancis9898]

The cops failed

[@zzizahacallar]

The cops only are useless

[@NemeanLion-]

@@bfrancis9898the cops can’t do anything

[@NemeanLion-]

She’s not an elder.

[@catnip3420]

How outrageously evil. This business owner is a thief and needs to be charged with theft then banned from owning any business ever again.

[@Esther_is_my_name]

In a wonderful reality, every business should go out of business then, they are all a bunch of thieves.

[@SarahRamsingh]

The F rating says it all but she can't walk around with any cards.

[@teresalegler2777]

Unbelievably wrong on every level. Over $1700 as a restocking fee! This is highway robbery.

[@cltransler]

"restocking fee"... $1,700 to put a couple of jars on a shelf?

[@TravelingwithValeman77]

Exactly and just 15 mins later. That's criminal!!

[@helpis0ntheway]

They refused to take the creams back, the ~$1.7k was for the creams & a restocking fee for the devices he refunded her. How did so many people miss this in the video?

[@cltransler]

@@helpis0ntheway We heard it. It's just ridiculous. They're scammers, known for being scammers, reported to the Better Business Bureau, but sure "we didn't listen."

[@1stamendmentmedia464]

I volunteer to come and put it back on the shelves right where it came from for free

[@stevethered5506]

$1.7k for the "restocking fee" and do not want the products back? In other words, the product didn't cost $7k in the first place!!

[@teresalegler2777]

Exactly!

[@kerrynicholls6683]

You know it, I know it. That’s how much it cost, even possibly less than that, but with a huge markup. Truly disgusting man.

[@just_cayte]

That's over a 300% markup.

[@aaronsullivan_]

You don’t understand economics then but how is the business going to be accountable for her illness.

[@mandyharewood886]

Huh? He took most of them back. The $1.7 k was for what he did not take back and the restocking fee. He's still a predator though. And a fool.

[@essieessie5399]

Everyone should boycott this business. Restocking fee of $1,700? This predator, Zeev Goldin knew exactly what he was doing and took advantage of this poor woman due to her challenges. Goldin should be investigated and thrown in jail.

[@didntlistendad]

Yevgeny?

[@Volundur9567]

​@@didntlistendadda

[@didntlistendad]

@@Volundur9567 why sneer at an honest question? Never take up teaching with that attitude.

[@debrawalker2414]

Agree 👍

[@James-gk8ip]

@@didntlistendad Yes. "Eugene" in English.

[@Pharmaspy]

I know this place! I was just passing by one day and was very aggressively pulled inside. I was given a sample of cream to make me look younger and a very HARD sell to purchase. Thankfully, I got out of there with my wits and money intact. But now, you better believe, I walk a block out of my way to avoid passing this place. Pathetic business!

[@gamertech9871]

Women

[@tootselee3097]

If you have the time, you should walk by this place while recording video. Expose their tactics.

[@jasonscott4366]

Im Gonna go out on a limb and say this didnt happen

[@jane_doughnut]

​@@jasonscott4366 oh, how surprising. A man undermining and not believing women. 😂 Nothing new, Jason. We just dismiss your skepticism and support each other.

[@TheBudoinbatu]

Someone should provide this guy a closed door visit.

[@ContentMadame]

Amen, and amen, and amen.

[@lakesnake2005]

He needs to be very careful around windows in tall buildings. Know what I mean ? He's Russian, he will understand.

[@LugerLau]

Where does the line start?

[@sarita5572]

Wow...he just destroyed himself by doing this. What a horrible person!

[@ThePsychoKillers]

they don't care. He will probably just close shop and open elsewhere.

[@oaktharas]

@@ThePsychoKillers😂over $7000? No…. He’d lose 50K for violating his lease

[@deborahwheeler4302]

Nor did it cost $2k either.

[@newmove4378]

Lets see what happens, he's obvious;y a slick conman so may survive.

[@yeetnama9094]

They're Israeli so they get money from tax payers anyway, regardless bc this group of criminals have more protections rights and free money than any other group on earth

[@bettydamnboop3030]

He knew what he was doing. Shame on him and anyone who abuses the elderly

[@HOODSSWEETIE]

Stop calling her elderly. I am 61 and I do not consider myself elderly. She is sick.

[@bettydamnboop3030]

@@HOODSSWEETIE I meant no disrespect as I am elderly myself.

[@shaniya3847]

@@HOODSSWEETIE61 is elderly

[@OatmealPancake-ej8ky]

61 is not elderly. Mike Tyson is about to do a fight and he is in his 60s 😂 80 is elderly. people live to be 90 to 100 nowadays with our advancements in medicine. This woman is 60 years old with Alzheimer's, she not elderly she is just sick.

[@missjo2036]

​@@HOODSSWEETIE well both of you are close enough. Your only 4yrs away

[@_Just_Another_Guy]

Just fully refund your customer, ffs. She didn't even used or opened the products.

[@Hodpril]

I've been literally dragged into this place by a woman a while back while walking in front of it, they put stuff on my face, and I was basically bullied for not wanting to buy anything and trying to get the fuck out of the store. At no point did I even want to enter it. A few days ago I made the careless mistake of walking in front of it again, a sample was pushed onto me, and "cmere cmere cmon come in come on" while I was walking away. I had to speedwalk away from it. It's a horrible feeling. I normally cross the street just to avoid it.

[@prometheus5700]

It's like a brick and mortar version of the county fair

[@laurafordemocracy]

I hope she sues for well over $7K!

[@cheleshows]

That was my thought, as well.

[@user-qf7ud5de9h]

God is watching all of us.

[@cheleshows]

@@user-qf7ud5de9h but don't help us, THAT'S crazy talk

[@johnbarber7952]

For what? She gave them her debit card? They need to take grandma's cards away and just give her $40 cash to walk around with. That's a $1,600 lesson for the family.

[@anjaplushenka5995]

@@johnbarber7952 *You need a brain.*

[@randommminator]

25% stocking fee accrued for the scam artist, charge him with financial abuse and exploitation then shut him down with a F rating on BBB.

[@chuckxu5910]

I live on international Blvd east Oakland my liberal friends, and it already looks like little Haiti 🇭🇹

[@bunjijumper5345]

This shop is run by Israelis.

[@MissingScaffolding]

This. Not enough people fight back. Only 1% of insurance claim denials are appealed. The FTC has a quick and easy site to report consumer fraud. Local PD can also take reports of fraud. BBB will get involved and try to help. Local authorities, attorney general. File medical board and bar complaints against complicit lawyers and doctors. File VAERS report yourself if you have vax injury. EEOC for employer discrimination. Sure, there’ll be retaliation, which you use as further evidence.

[@davidcampagna2223]

While I agree that this business is morally bankrupt, the BBB is a total scam for both business owners and people who use that as a measure of a company's practices. They (the BBB) force you to pay them if someone launches a complaint against your business, legitimate or not. And the only way to get positive reviews is to pay them. It's kind of like yelp but with an airre of unearned clout.

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

@@davidcampagna2223 yes, bbb is a scam for sure

[@peztopher7297]

A $1600 LOAN?! A loan to the business? From them to her? Why would that happen at a skincare shop?

[@kanases]

omg! That’s horrible, I hope no one ever shops there again!!

[@The_Essential_Review]

Good news everyone, Elements is starting to get deluged with negative reviews, the Internet won’t let him get away with this!

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

Karma plus..

[@anythingandeverythingABCLife]

i don't agree when people purposely leave bad reviews just because they saw something on tv. you never shopped there, yet you leave a bad review. the goal is to ruin them. tbh, it's kinda scary how vengeful people are, for something that doesn't even involve them. they almost get a high from it.

[@jimringomartin]

John Lennon: Instant Karma is gonna get you.....

[@helenhines2712]

​@anythingandeverythingABCLife Are you kidding me??!!! Did you not see what that store did to this woman?? You don't have to have a personal bad experience to complain. A normal person would stick up for this lady and community at large. Scammers, bad business people need to be shut down, period!!!! You're a piece of work for thinking otherwise!!!

[@xplorercolorado9224]

@@anythingandeverythingABCLife Normally, I would agree with you about cancel culture. But this situation is different; we are talking about a business that scams a sick woman and has the potential to scam others. In fact, they do have that history already, and that is why they scored an F in the BBB.

[@CarolynForney]

This is woman shouldn’t be walking around alone . She could end up losing her way.

[@audrab27]

Especially with a credit card/debit card that have a high limit

[@Master63y]

She should be allowed to walk around but with a body cam. I've seen an elderly lady in my neighborhood with one, when she stopped for conversation.

[@dawsie]

So because she has early onset of alzheimers she has to be locked up. You are both pathetic. To me it sounds like you have never dealt with someone with Alzheimers or dementia, it starts out very slowly it’s not noticeable at first. You have to go through testing just like dementia it’s silly little mistakes. But other than that you’re fine, I think someone at the store knew enough about the signs and took advantage of this woman. You can live for months with early onset of either alzheimers or dementor and still function 95% of the time. It’s just sad that there are people out there who will take full advantage of people like this woman. Something like this happened to my Dad at the shopping mall years ago while I was in hospital one of them skincare stalls hooked my Dad and they tricked him in to believing the product would help with my scars after my surgery. He bought 3 different skin care products for over $160 AUS and because of what they were they would not take them back as they are creams and once the items have left the mall there is no refund. I never told him that he had been scammed. I cannot use skin products due to allergies to most of the ones on the market. Once he had forgotten about them I gave them to a friend who could use them. He does not have cards in his wallet that are active now, I make sure he has cash in his wallet and that stops him from spending. He does not drive when on his own, but nor do I keep him house bound, thankfully I live in a small village, one thing here is they are a dementia and alzheimers friendly town, If he shows up in town looking lost I get a phone call and they make him happy with a cup of tea while a drive in and pick him up as if we had planed it that way. I hope when your time comes with this infliction your family don’t treat you as a prisoner in your own home but treat you with respect and have informed those around you to ring them so they can do the same thing I do with my Dad, allow him the freedom but with an invisible leash so that he can be brought home with dignity.

[@CarolynForney]

@@Master63y Good idea.

[@CarolynForney]

@@dawsie I don’t think anyone believes she should be locked away. Maybe she should always have a companion or as another commenter added that using a body cam will help. There are too many stories and posting of lost adults with this issue. My neighbor’s husband was retired and went to Atlantic City for the day. He never came home and was found days later filthy in an alley way. They didn’t know at the time that he had Alzheimer’s. It negatively progressed from there. Most like each individual is hit differently people are just showing concern.

[@accessorygirlnyc]

Disgusting. They should be shut down and the employees should be jailed. There was a store in NYC that accosted people walking by and practically dragged people into their “salon” to con them into services. These stores need to be shut down.

[@Chad-Giga.]

That woman should not have access to a debit card

[@vivianhernandez4270]

You are right.

[@bscats1]

Blaming the victim?

[@missbettyxxx]

@@bscats1it’s true whether it hurts your feelings or not

[@prometheus5700]

@@bscats1 How is protecting the victim = blaming the victim? Put your buzz phrases away.

[@chatbud]

This woman is sick and should not be allowed out unsupervised.

[@mattsmith4589]

He a straight menace we don’t do the elderly like that

[@992001jeffr]

So you only do younger people like that?

[@neonnoir9692]

​@992001jeffr anyone of sound mind is responsible for doing their DD and making their own decisions.

[@992001jeffr]

@@neonnoir9692 Ok, so you would do young people like that.

[@MouseCIick]

@@992001jeffrI hope most young people can make rational decisions, but who am I kidding. Look at social media.

[@bunjijumper5345]

Israeli owned shop. This is how they treat Americans.

[@KernelDude]

Same thing happen two weeks ago to my friend who has Dementia. She was tricked into purchasing $675 of skin cream. She forgot to take the products with her when she let the store. We got her money back.

[@J7pat7]

At this same place or somewhere else ?

[@zzizahacallar]

That's awful

[@Youmightknow111]

Your friend should not be out alone. She cannot defend herself or think correctly. She needs to have a chaperone while out shopping. I am Glad she got get money back.

[@nostalgia46]

How about all the phone scammers who rip off old people, that’s a huge problem too.

[@uy7munir]

how about not talking to strangers on the phone? fixed the problem for you, no charge.

[@nostalgia46]

@@uy7munir I routinely hang up on phone scammers, but the elderly, especially those with dementia, are not as savvy. Thanks for playing though.

[@socommaster]

Life isnt perfect ​@@nostalgia46

[@nostalgia46]

@@socommaster That sort of goes without saying, right. Life is made all the less perfect by people who behave badly towards others.

[@PliskinYT]

Remember, when an individual does it, it's theft, when a business does it, it's an "Accounting Error"

[@avi486]

True 😂

[@barbaraamoroso7020]

Shut that store down!

[@mikeclemets863]

A loan wtf scammers. Fraud

[@lakesnake2005]

A visit from the IRS might be just the cure for this.

[@Jonesvideoplanet]

How can a corrupt business like this having an F rating by the Better Business Bureau be allowed to remain in business? Hope they are out of business ASAP

[@joshm3342]

The BBB has no authority over business owners.

[@little1942]

The BBB means nothing. Plenty of garbage companies (including abusive debt collectors) have A ratings because they BUY their ratings. And as the previous commenter said, they have no authority or power. They are informational only. The problem as I said, is that you can no longer trust their rating system.

[@Whatdidthefoxsay124]

It’s not a govt agency

[@pattymelt-go3fv]

He could resurrect his dying business by giving free facials to dementia patients, and free foot massages to their care givers. Put a nice sign in the window and do that for a week or two. Plus an apology...about how he's learned from his mistake.

[@user-cv2cv4gq7r]

I checked a large home improvement company with BBB RATED AT F MINUS YES F-

[@sarahlu7797]

The couple needs to file a charge-back with their credit card company. The employees and owner should be ashamed of themselves.

[@jenniferfitzgerald1796]

It was her debit I believe

[@evavaladezaka1rocksisonig521]

Judge Judy had this issue in her courtroom. I worked in cosmetics and skincare for over 30 years! This is OUTRAGEOUS & DISGUSTING!!! Taking advantage of ANYONE let alone a woman with Alzheimer’s!!!

[@Cmon_Nah123]

That store needs to be shut down.

[@jessicanmailbox]

Well, this is Los Gatos. You don't mess with people there; they'll take you down. His store will be out of there and blacklisted in no time.

[@tl1533]

And his business has an F rating along with a lot bad reviews before that.

[@kaiarevalo2952]

That’s what I thought. It’s a very nice community. I go to Los Gatos a lot and you will sense people there don’t like shitty things hahahahhaha

[@bunjijumper5345]

He will move somewhere else. He is Israeli.

[@lemondrop7305]

@@bunjijumper5345 he's greek

[@theheartoftexas]

Maybe they’ll deport him?

[@jakerazmataz852]

Sophia needs to have someone in charge of her CC/DC.

[@user-kd3tb6wf9i]

Sophie needs to stay home. She remembers every detail but not the part where she gave them her credit card. If you had your driver's license away she should not have a debit card as well.

[@seankimberley9671]

I feel like they need to take her cards away and accompany her from now on when she leaves the house. There are tons of people who will take advantage of her out there

[@kittenpawsbb]

That’s just sickening. And her friends and family were there to help her 15mins after her purchase. Not a day or a week. Stocking fee? Who is that shop owner kidding with that scam. I hope she gets all her money back. F is failing, close down this scam of a business already.

[@IrishAnnie]

She can complain to her credit card. Family needs to take it away from her.

[@kittenpawsbb]

@@IrishAnnie I think it was her debit card. But I do agree, if her Alzheimer’s is getting worse, it maybe time to take her cards away. For her own good. Thank you

[@thomasjoseph5876]

@@IrishAnnieThat's the problem, most of the charges were against her Debit Card which is virtually impossible to charge back against. Once the money is out of your account, it will take a court judgment to get it back. That's also why they made her take out a loan as well. But with loans, you usually have 3 business days to rescind them so that won't be a winning deal for them. The best way to deal with this is to no longer allow her to go out alone. Bad things will continue to happen. I know it is frustrating to lose one's independence but in cases like this, it is for the best.

[@carwashadamcooper1538]

"Restocking" fees are nearly always the wholesale cost of the product plus 2-5% It's to Guarantee a profit on returned items in case they can't be resold. Doesn't matter if the returns are in the exact same condition as when purchased and can in fact be resold, that fee will be charged regardless.

[@ItsMe.1Gypsy]

Shop Owner is DISGUSTING! Shame on You!!

[@allanwong6704]

My mother in law had Alzheimer's and the first thing you have to do is take away all credit and debit card from them. If you don't, this happens sooner or later.

[@DxxxLxxxxx-iw1ox]

There's gotta be a Federal criminal charge in here.

[@periel]

That guy needs to be put out of business.

[@ifinallyfoundthebeef]

This is absolutely predatory behavior. 😢

[@christopherbedford9897]

There's no difference between that sort of hard sell and the telephone call scammer who tells old people they are receiving "error messages" from their computer and they need to pay for "security software" immediately. Taking advantage of confusion, deliberately poor communication, and distractions to force someone to buy all that stuff? Not kosher, dude. I'll bet that the moment they realised she wasn't tracking properly is when they just started ringing shit up on her card. There's no way one midlle-class old lady with an air of vague detachment is going to "purchase" so many items - not a legit sale. Not even close.

[@silverclan2020]

That is just DISGUSTING & DISRESPECTFUL.. i grew up in and near Los Gatos and this is not what Los Gatos is about... SHAME ON THE STAFF AND OWNER OF ELEMENTS ... SO SHAMEFUL

[@andybarr6751]

The worst people take advantage of high trust communities.

[@Jeff-sp7bg]

Half of the bay area moved to the Sacramento Valley and they absolutely wrecked it. Trash everywhere, nasty, rude, mean , spiteful and arrogant drivers. Disgusting what happened. I'm not surprised someone in the bay area would take advantage of someone. All they worship is money.

[@justayoutuber1906]

Disgusting behavior on the part of this scam business. I hope they get boycotted at a minimum.

[@jdos5643]

This is like some Elizabeth Holmes stuff going on here and yes I said her name in her fake voice.

[@troypollonais9143]

Why is she allowed to have a debit card if she can't remember what she's doing

[@jesscunn1195]

Owner definitely in the wrong. But why husband and family letting her walk around by herself and she got Alzheimer’s? 🤔

[@JRPLawyeress1]

That’s sad. That store owner is shameless. Honestly, I hope families in that situation will give their affected family member a pre-loaded debit card with $200 on it. And take away the rest. Anyone in their right mind wouldn’t get hustled like that. As strict as California is about everything, I’m surprised it’s not treated like elder abuse or abuse of an infirm person. One day you’re a normal, productive member of society. Another day as helpless as a young child. My aunt with dementia was getting phone calls from strangers on her cell. I told my cousin to see if she could block all unknown numbers. Anything not close family or friends. And replace her car key with an uncut duplicate. She was always grabbing her keys and saying she was headed to the store.

[@FreeRadicals305]

Excellent solution with the debit card.

[@blondegirl5]

All the store has to do is be compassionate, take the product back and refund her money..Geez...😬

[@rollinontwojohnny3586]

There is NO compassion anywhere in that ship show of a shop! I think tar and feathers needs a comeback and that guy is our winner!

[@lllmmm3572]

Didn’t you get that this business is a rip-off company? They rip people off. That’s what they do. There’s not going to be any compassion.

[@yeetnama9094]

Israelis and those of this tribe don't understand basic human compassion

[@chelseythompson5167]

What is she doing out and about alone?!

[@victoriaporter8665]

They absolutely knew what they were doing,after the phone call it should of been over .. disgusting 🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@bobsch-gd6ze]

I too have a friend with early onset of Alzheimers and know the pain of this. Being taken advantage of is just the lowest of the low.

[@harabiru727]

7000$ for skincare 🥴🥴🥴🥴

[@jdos5643]

Best skin care is moisturizer sunscreen and aveeno lotion. Nothing else

[@swicheroo1]

@@jdos5643 I'd also add Petroleum Jelly. It's what dermatologists recommend for just about everything. And is applied after surgery to incisions.

[@terry_willis]

Unethical. NOBODY, I don't care how sane they are, would buy $7000 worth of that stuff. The salesman/woman has no morals. He/she had to know he/she was ripping off this old lady. It's no different than taking money from a three year old child.

[@andrewli1519]

That should be illegal. Try this and try that and secretly charging for all of it. They knew what they were doing. Business should be shut down for good and make the owner pay everyone he took advantage of. This guy's a big player. He didn't even bother to make the statement in person, kinda shows the person he is...And maybe throw him in jail too, and then may all of this may help to stop him from doing it in the future. If he does it a second time, he will no longer be able to do business in that state and harsher penalties to be given to him...

[@hollygolightly7475]

Whaaaattt??? Doesn’t make sense

[@Adralove3]

Great investigative reporting. Prayers for justice.

[@1420nicole1420]

That happened to my late stage Alzheimer’s patient here in palm desert for 10 thousand plus he ran the card twice.refused to give it back,this is a common practice

[@AA-kj4ic]

And the fact that they coerce and con elderly people to use debit card instead of credit card for some junk non brand skin care is absolutely criminal. There should be law to make this criminal, not just civil.

[@dontbotherwithreplying1543]

Not elderly, just older. It's funny how she remembers EVERYTHING about that day but can't remember buying that crap.

[@matthewlupton1539]

@@dontbotherwithreplying1543 are you 5 years old? do you not know how early onset dementia works? let the adults talk in the comments go back to your cocomelon videos little kid

[@Lostgenerationdegenerates]

@@dontbotherwithreplying1543 Exactly what I thought but I also believe he scammed her too.

[@GrandMoffVixen]

Bull crap. Tell me you do not understand what early onset dementia is, without telling me you do not understand what early onset dementia is.​@@dontbotherwithreplying1543

[@revoluzion87]

The unfortunate and frustrating thing is that these criminals can close up shop and move to a new city and do it all over again. 😤

[@roseguber3240]

It's a chain, they are everywhere around the world...

[@cattastroficka196]

Actually all they have to do is change their name. That’s why a lot of supply companies get a personal guarantee on contracts so if the business shuts down, at least they have an individual to go after.

[@Beserious795]

That’s the same brand I got coerced into buying on my cruise smdh. You go for a massage and they do a “complimentary” eye treatment, then they aggressively try to sell it to you. There must be some kind of crazy commission for selling this.

[@Izaakwalton_]

That women knew exactly what she was doing and her husband found out and got mad at her. That being said you should always be able to return merchandise unless you started using it already.

[@user-zu3te4je6s]

Once someone called them and advocated for her to the staff that she didn't want to purchase those items before you charges a customer, than fraud charges should have been filed in court. I hope that her credit card company cancelled the charges. The community needs to place a protest in front of his business. It's GARBAGE that he's selling because if they have to use those tactics to make sales than the product line speaks for itself.

[@JRPLawyeress1]

I think she used a debit card. You’re right, a credit card company would remove the charges.

[@HOODSSWEETIE]

Hopefully that business will refuse to let him sale their products any more. I am sure that company does not want his reputation behind their products.

[@friend5102000]

@@JRPLawyeress1 That's the reason you should never make purchases with your debit card using a PIN. Only use the credit option. Your bank will NEVER reverse the charges if a PIN is used in the transaction, because they will say, ONLY the cardholder should know the PIN. Several years ago, my wife and I stopped shopping at our favorite grocery store, when during their restructuring they required all transactions to be in the form of debit. We haven't been back since.

[@stephanieallangarman5598]

That business is TRASH 🚮. They absolutely took advantage of her but I’m positive they’d do the same to everyone else who accidentally finds themselves in their store. 🙆🏻‍♀️😳🇺🇸

[@juanitadudley4788]

She didn't accidentally find herself there, he invited her in.

[@journeyoflovelight]

@@juanitadudley4788 and gave her free alcohol. I bet they do a lot of business after free alcohol.

[@jenniferfitzgerald1796]

They need to take away her debit credit card or give her one with a small balance. You’re responsible for your purchases.

[@Johngoodman454]

Wow this isn't the first time they done this it's theft!!

[@vmarsfiles]

Sophie don't need a credit card when she leave the house alone..give her an ID and a phone that's it!

[@TruthBeTold121212]

it was a debit card - worse.

[@brentbeacham9691]

The bright side is she knew one person on the street that helped her immediately. A good neighbor.

[@trnc9082]

So she remembered every detail of the experience except for how much the total was 😭😭😭😭😭 yall believe anything

[@davidhoward4715]

I remember when trolls had some imagination and wit. Now you’re just pathetic, swivel-eyed crackpots peeing in alleyways and shouting at the wind.

[@amberandrews6842]

Narcissistic Greed.... Disgusting.

[@justinmatangi6406]

7k for skin care products, that by itself makes no sense.😢

[@ncubesays]

Don't consumer laws in California give people the right to return products within a given timeframe?

[@jr1252]

the exemption is if they have a sign posted by the register that says all sales final or no refunds but there must be signage visible by the register where someone making a purchase would be able to see it. it’s can’t just be written on the receipt only because you get that after the transaction has been done so no warning

[@SL-lz9jr]

And even then it’s still a civil case requiring going to court.

[@soysan34]

Always pay with credit card not debit, there are no charge backs on debit!

[@lovequeen7080]

Zero personal accountability here. How would the salesman know she has Dementia? She can remember everything, but can't remember the purchase. Why hasn't the husband capped her credit card daily limit if she has dementia so badly??

[@UnstoppableYaris]

The key phrase here was "cops decided it was a civil matter". So now it has to go through courts.

[@lizard928]

This happened to an elderly lady we worked with on consumer complaints and filed a report with the AG's office same type of business on skin care products. The elderly woman was tricked and was later told that this particular store was notorious for scamming people especially elderly folks.

[@jeng1395]

This makes me so sad. My dad died after four years with dementia.

[@erikap2113]

They used to call guys like him “flim flam man”.

[@borountree4539]

He's a genuine snake oil salesman! 🐍

[@jillmac2000]

They need to call him "Inmate number #####"

[@juicyfruit6311]

Yeah. They call Dolly Dementia "sucker" because there's one born every minute.

[@terencejay8845]

I have a movie called exactly that.

[@cinnpsychic]

Don't mess with Los Gatos. He's done. Cooked.

[@upsguppy520]

why would she have access to charge cards i read in comments someone suggested pre paid cards

[@kathleenjohnson3645]

Once in Lahaina Hawaii I was hoodwinked into an Italian skincare salon with offers of free samples put on me I soon realized they expected me to purchase products. I was 68 at the time. At least I realized free samples were not free. High pressure sales were applied. I could barely leave the salon. The manager was watching the poor sales lady the whole time adding his pressure to her performance.She even followed me out of the salon onto the sidewalk where she then found a new victim. This woman should have known better. At least she realized her mistake and wanted a refund. I witnessed the same tactics when I worked at a furniture store. High pressure sales on an older person who are slow to realize what is happening is a real problem. I worked for a doctor who had brain deterioration, after retiring he went out and bought a brand new truck when he didn’t have need for it. His wife and family were able to cancel the sale loosing no money for restocking

[@yasmeennasir8286]

Wait! They charged her a restocking fee, and also put her on a buy now/ pay later plan.. thats wild

[@bellagirlgirl8827]

small claims court for the last $1,700

[@randygreen007]

I had to pause this video halfway through because it hits home way too hard! I was my mother’s caregiver as she was going through her journey with Alzheimer’s. When it was first starting I still wanted her to feel as if she had her independence but I also wanted to make sure she was safe so I was her shadow everywhere she went. It was so heartbreaking watching how shop clerks would realize that mom had dementia and would try to take advantage of the situation. Everything from shorting her change to asking her for her checkbook so they could fill out the cost. They didn’t realize I was watching over her because I would pretend to be just another customer in line behind her.

[@mentalie]

Wow

[@XclusiveKing18]

How does she remember all that… i call BS

[@zaria5785]

What a disgrace to that community. A predator hiding in sheeps clothing. Boycott Elements. There are so many shady “business owners” who want to “sell you something/show you the trade” but take your money and go overseas. I think that Zeev Goldin didn’t want to talk or we would hear his accent and figure out where he is really from.

[@n.c.467]

CANCEL CULTURE...get going on this one!!

[@evettegarcia4804]

I AGREE 100% !!! 🇺🇸 get him out the community!! Cancel THIS BUSINESS !!!

[@user-mg2kf7dt9g]

We all know where he is!!! Trust me typical of that culture!

[@thekid1597]

She did great a great interview, but you believe her B.S, the only problem she had was buyers remorse.

[@jamesbuckingham8073]

@@user-mg2kf7dt9g What a dumb comment, were y'all there to witness this event that she had multiple glasses of champagne ? Y'all should apologize, you know nothing.

[@lucystrider728]

Thank you for exposing this heartless business and owner! Elderly and disabled people should not have to worry about getting abused that way, if laws were broken there should be consequences, if no laws were broken we need new laws!!!She called someone for help-the sales person knew it was robbing a vulnerable person! This is like when a store shortchanged a disabled student because they realized they could get away with it. Reprehensible and shoppers take note!Abusive stores do not deserve any business.

[@luckyneko1]

Thank you to the news team for helping.

[@RR66125]

Always contact your bank immediately. Even if it is a debit card, many banks will assist with these types of situations. Similar to a stop payment on a check. The purchase is immediately deducted from the cardholder, but the seller does not receive the funds as quickly.

[@stevenarita]

I just went through this with my mother. Don’t let someone with illness out with large credit cards or money you’re not willing lying to lose as they are legally liable. Best wishes.

[@PurpleRose8725]

You missed the part where they OPENED a charge account. Not having anything would not have helped much.

[@spacewolfjr]

@@PurpleRose8725 I think the charge account was for $1,600 -- if her max was $5,400 that's still way more money than she needs to be walking around

[@pattymelt-go3fv]

I'm sorry for your troubles. The husband was obviously new to his role as care taker. The best thing I did when my father got dementia was hire an elder law attorney. She got him in home 24/7 care during covid but it took 9 months from the start of the process. The rules have changed a lot since then unfortunately. So to every one out there? When a relative or spouse gets this disease...go to an elder law attorney ASAP. They usually give free consults also...pick one with good reviews. Don't automatically go to the first one and don't go the social worker route if you can possibly help it. But this may also depend on where you live in the US.

[@thekenthouse6428]

Shyster through and through

[@thekid1597]

She sure is.

[@tessaelto1472]

"She didn't want to show her face because she hasn't told all her friends about her alzheimer's diagnosis" broke my HEART. I'm praying for you, Sophie ❤

[@mermaidwannabe7043]

She remembered the walk, remembered them approaching her on the street, the champagne, the product he used for under her eyes and more. She just don't remember the sale. Buyers remorse?

[@fluxfaze]

A clearcut case of abuse. Sue and win, preventing future incidents.

[@kisnhug]

Don't spend any money on that business.The place is dangerous 😢 They don't care about you, the customer 😢 Stay away.

[@rebeccapaul6455]

Bless her sweet heart. This has to be a crime. Three people AND a police officer asked the shop to refund the customer within a half hour. What a sorry excuse for a human being.

[@-Skookie-]

Why would she have a credit or debit cards in her possession? Why does her family let het walk around alone? How is her signature legally binding?

[@4NaturesStory]

Bingo.

[@MintyMoni]

This makes me so infuriated. What this business did is no different that those scammers calling elderly people's phone and telling them they owe the irs from another country. Karma will take care of this.

[@justayoutuber1906]

NEVER NEVER buy with a debit card - you are using your money. Buy with a CREDIT card - its the bank's money and they will reverse the charges instantly.

[@travelnomad2128]

Remember this is a lady with dementia. She doesn't even know how they gotten her debit card. In her reduced capacity, I won't be surprised if these crooks took out the card from her bag themselves!! Thieves!!!

[@zzizahacallar]

This woman only needs to travel with credit card. She wasn't thinking straight. I feel so bad for her.

[@susannpatton2893]

It is your money, the credit card has different rules than the debit. It isn't the Banks money 😂 it's yours

[@anythingandeverythingABCLife]

@@susannpatton2893 no, it's not your money. you're borrowing from the bank, and paying it back. that doesn't mean it's yours

[@naturistfred]

I totally agree but since she used a debit card, that means she had to punch in her PIN code for the transaction. Did he ask her and she had forgotten?

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

My rule and Trigger is, any place that gives you champagne is a sign that they're going to be charging something!

[@lindalincoln1652]

im so sick of greed