Los Gatos skincare shop under criminal investigation; I-Team receives new complaints

The owner of Los Gatos' Elements shop is getting attention after I-Team's report of an Alzheimer's patient who was charged more than $7,000 for products she didn't want.
The staff at 7 On Your Side also recognized his name from several complaints they received over the past few years. abc7ne.ws/3ysdf6H
#iteam #losgatos #alzheimers #investigation #abc7news

[@thomaskim5008]

People don’t change easily. The owner is a criminal and scumbag.

[@t8rtaught]

Please, boycott this company and make them go out of business!

[@yolyprog2561]

Exactly

[@tikatikatikatika3066]

Please shut them down

[@nbaoldgirl]

Yeah with all the decent businesses going under, this guy definitely doesn’t deserve to be in business!!!

[@israelgarcia7801]

Yup, this one and every company like it.

[@jsundberg5542]

so then let's shut dwn alm these huge companies that u guys claim are being greedy and raising prices. hypocrites. these are small businesses. they handed their credit cards to him and what was someone with dementia doing by herself shopping for skincare. ask those questions. hypocrites

[@JayTee2985]

No refund for a $14k product? The owner should change his store name to SCAMMER

[@kultur-vultur]

She didn't want the light up wand so she definitely needs refunded, but if your dumb enough to buy a $15,000 snake oil wand to look younger, you deserve to keep it.

[@georginasinclairb]

@@kultur-vultur she has Alzheimers you P R I C K

[@brookelynnwu8016]

Scamcaré😂

[@brookelynnwu8016]

@@kultur-vulturshe had Alzheimer’s… she didn’t know what was really going on. And she only agreed to buy one thing, they added a bunch of other things. She was so confused she called her husband right after bc she didn’t know what happened.

[@Western_ENT]

Well, it could go both ways thou. There are scamming buyers too.

[@wysiwyg88888]

This place is a brick and mortar scam operation SHUT THEM DOWN!

[@Crypto-Boomin]

So are the rest of the bullshit Israeli skincare shops at the mall. I knew an employee that worked in one of those places and they purposely went after white people because “they’re so easy to scam.” I am convinced these stores are money laundering schemes.

[@hagakuru]

Both the owner and attorney are scumbags - sleezy beyond belief.

[@Crypto-Boomin]

An Israeli company

[@Mafaldita1230]

⁠@@Crypto-Boomin This has nothing to do with being an Israeli company. This scam can be done by anyone.

[@RoxieLoxie]

@@Mafaldita1230it has everything to do with that actually. You just don’t want to open your eyes.

[@gummybear302]

@@Mafaldita1230no jodas claro que tiene que ver. Esa gente siempre roba.

[@rebeccabrown6785]

This con man needs to be put out of business.

[@LeeBross-r7r]

Elder abuse.

[@Hippitidippity]

How about the people on family who should be watching these women and their credit cards??😅

[@NotLikeUs17]

@@Hippitidippityhonestly tho…lol. She’s pretty high functioning for an “Alzheimer’s” patient.

[@heyaisdabomb]

@@Hippitidippity yea, they could be better, but you should never blame a victim. It's the same way people treat rape victims. Like wearing a short skirt doesn't mean your asking to be raped. Victim blaming is a horrible thing to do.

[@mattschehr163]

@@Hippitidippitystop victim blaming

[@daneshj4013]

​@@Hippitidippity in the first story the daughter did and got a notification where she heard the guy telling no refund.

[@RobertL-js5fn]

Can’t wait for these crooks to be pushed out of business. Hope the DA will charge the owner and his staff. No one should get lured into “Elements” in Los Gatos or Burlingame or wherever they end up re-setting up their next scam of a shop

[@carolinematusevich889]

@bobcaygeon975 Isn't that insane? I guess this is "the best" that 45 talked about welcoming here.

[@sunflower8035]

@@carolinematusevich889 You meant 46. I’ll spell it BIDEN

[@j.d.contreras392]

This has happened multiple times at this shop!!!! Why don't they shut this place down already?! It was even on the news 2 times before! I used to live in Monte Sereno and the same thing happened almost 15 years ago! They tried to scam an old lady and the cops showed up but didn't do anything! This is insane. This isn't the first time this shop has been on the news for the same incident. This is just wrong.

[@gasmith7486]

The cops didn’t do anything because you keep voting democrat and they are soft on the criminals not for the honest hard working people. “cALiFoRniA LaW” …. 🙄🙄🙄

[@OracleofDelphiTarot]

LGPD is lazy and doesn’t care. I have an ongoing investigation into a LG business for criminal behavior. They could care less. Not like they are busy in that neighborhood 🦗 🦗 🦗

[@daynasafranek7807]

Why don’t people just go see a doctor? That’s much cheaper than the price tag they received.

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

interesting that a small wealthy town can't manage to fix this. It should certainly have been on their radar long ago. It takes being put on the news

[@UncleDavesKitchen]

I am amazed the retired hairdresser on a 'fixed income' agreed to a $300 facial. People are so gullible

[@yolyprog2561]

That so called owner should be in jail

[@deerphoria4314]

Nah 6ft

[@SirenASMR_]

Deport is what they need to don

[@lour9348]

Predatory shop if I ever saw one - warning all my friends to stay clear!

[@Rantsack]

Should be everyone, not just your friends.

[@kpepperl319]

$16000?!! What did he think his products can do? Make people fly? People... Please Do Not give anyone your social security number!!!

[@iamzelle90]

Might as well get a face lift

[@kenyap101]

That's why they pray on elder people

[@petermattei8510]

Agree. Don't even give your SN to the Pope!

[@Uberrimaefidei]

$16k is the price of 2 nose jobs.

[@MoonLiteNite]

@@kenyap101 they pray on stupid people

[@Leeniebean]

The owner is running a Pay Day Loan type business disguised as a skin care boutique. What retail skin care place has credit lines on hand?!

[@daynasafranek7807]

No, it’s just plain fraud. They don’t receive money and it’s not a loan. He just doesn’t disclose prices, refuses refunds, overcharges and is a blatant liar. It’s simple fraud.

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

Exactly. These folks should be calling their bank and disputing charges immediately

[@heyaisdabomb]

@@elizabethheyenga9277 The first women with Alzheimers did and the bank refused to reverse the charge.

[@professionalboycottservice7872]

They are front for drug trafficking

[@jasonc422]

Sephora 😂

[@celebrityrog]

This dump is still open? NO. He needs to refund that amount PLUS some other damages.

[@Impozalla]

That business need to be shut down immediately. Obviously the owner is running a criminal enterprise by financially going after vulnerable senior citizens.

[@gemee1]

Even the lawyer looks slimey!

[@shellz831]

Lawyers are LIARS. That's literally all they do.

[@josephaltman460]

💯 Shyster!

[@Marynicole830]

@@iamcolin lawyer dude doesn’t even look Jewish? He might be, idk but you cant tell just by looking at him. it seems like y’all just try to force this conclusion into everything. Like trying to force a square block in a triangle hole. It’s so silly man. People are responsible for themselves, and this is true for everyone. Their race, ethnicity, or culture don’t make someone a good or bad person and pretending it does just takes away from personal responsibility. If the world works the way all y’all damn racists and antisemitics never think that far. If the way people act and the way people are is dependent on their DNA, like their race or ethnicity, then no one is guilty of anything since no one can control the color or type of body they are born into. No one can control their DNA. So if the world is the way you crayon eaters say it is, morally we have to let everyone out of prison and instead use education to help some and the rest get a all expenses paid home away from society to protect the rest of us who aren’t born into violent meat bags. But it’s not their fault so we as a society must make sure they still get the same chance at a fulfilling life. I mean even if it’s not the case I’m all for that for criminals, it would be far more productive than our current system that had to have been designed by a 5 year old who still see ‘bad guys’ and ‘good guys’ but something tells me you wouldn’t like that very much. So which is it? Are people responsible for themselves and their actions? Or are they trapped and a victim of the body bag they were born into? No matter how much their spirit or soul or whatever it is wants to be a good person, their DNA stops them, in which case we have to let most everyone out of jail in case that’s what happened with them. Why do I have a feeling you’ve never thought that deeply about it, hell I don’t think you’ve ever thought deeply about anything.

[@KittyFloof]

Israeli 😅 Chosen Satan

[@sandiecalvert]

Please close this SCAM business down in the immediate now. This owner especially who scammed the elderly lady needs to go to prison.

[@soniaz1487]

Glad there is a criminal investigation.

[@TyTyMcGinty]

After all the complaints the BBB raised him from an F to a B+?!?

[@justayoutuber1906]

The BBB is a joke.

[@bobcaygeon975]

pay to play

[@katiesioux7757]

Yes, because the BBB has already been busted as a scam

[@UncleDavesKitchen]

I'm finding the BBB can be bought off easily per other news programs I've seen

[@Rantsack]

You know BBB gets paid by businesses for their rating, right! Thats why A LOT of bad and scamming businesses are still running.

[@Norcalflat]

He didn't give a refund because it's the right thing to do, he did it because he's trying to save face. Scammer.

[@ASmith-jn7kf]

Then why isn't he giving refund to everyone else??

[@RM-fe6ye]

This store should be shut down! The owner is a criminal and no skincare products and at home devices cost more than a plastic surgery!! If these products are that effective why don’t I see them at high-end department stores!

[@readytogo6569]

Ok, D.A. Time to step-up and protect your constituents!

[@josephaltman460]

Yeah righ they're too busy infringing on our rights and persecuting innocent citizens and minorities.

[@laleki9]

All these companies do is move to new locations under different names.

[@liliachan3753]

Which is why the owner should be jailed to set an example to his friends (the new ones setting up the business) because I am sure his circle of friends are all scammers as well.

[@robertwilliam9558]

I sure hope the District Attorney will file charges.

[@bearceuse1]

The city needs to not renew his license. Common Los Gatos, let’s go. Push him out

[@LChiuy]

Los Gatos is a city where usually where older people tend to retire to live in and are usually well off. By scamming and taking advantage of just a few elders a month, he's making bank. He's hoping these older people will not retaliate and move on. It looks like his tactic works until just recently when he got exposed.

[@Western_ENT]

I think criminals would love these kinds of places..😏

[@niico76]

It looks like they are working with Care Credit to take advantage of these people. I'll never borrow money from Care Credit! They are just as vile as the store.

[@SirenASMR_]

Care credit with my dentist is fine. I use it and pay it off in 12 months with no issues and no interest

[@thestarinstitute]

Care credit also finances vet care and can come very helpful with a last minute pet situation giving a buffer to a large vet bill and providing a financing option. They even offer no interest when paid in full in 6 months.

[@wallycasawi7756]

This guy thinks he is smart than everyone else by apologizing on the app to show that he is an innocent nice person. What a BS ,and willing to do it over and over again with the new people this business should be shut down and the owner should be charged and put in a jail.

[@barkeyes8592]

Yes I believe that is the case. It looks like their locations are in the upper class areas with older customers. They prey on them in our country. That accent is hard to understand.

[@Calinotch06]

Shut the business down, fine him.

[@krys1075]

I’m glad it’s going under investigation after it took advantage of an old lady with Alzheimer’s

[@Rantsack]

Under investigation is useless

[@justayoutuber1906]

Call the CC company contest the charges - I've done it before, no problem, even when there is a "no refund" policy. MC reversed the charges immediately.

[@carolinematusevich889]

Ikr? They couldn't do that? Credit card companies don't GaS if the business claims no returns. Not listed by signage in clear view, either when you walk in the door, or by the cash register?? Too bad, so sad, for the owners.

[@Volundur9567]

Also why are they giving SSN for skincare stuff. People are truly gullible to think that's okay. Ain't all these folks got Alzheimer's. Also, isn't taking out loans in other people's names illegal?

[@miket4234]

u dont just make a $7000 mistake when a client thought she was just goin in to a hair salon. close this snake’s business

[@sappysuds4545]

They need to be put out of business and put in jail.

[@weskelly4538]

I worked in the mall early 2000’s. These people have been around for a long time. You learn to not make eye contact, not let them touch you(cause the put their lotion on you), and DO NOT TAKE THEIR SAMPLES. It’s nothing new. These 16000 charges are crazy, but don’t they sign the transaction? Doesn’t the person tell them ok your total is $x.xx.

[@VS-ic2kv]

These people should be in jail. Horrible, shameless people.

[@SirenASMR_]

Deport them and close the damm boarder

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

Geez!!! Certified plastic surgeons don’t even charge that much.

[@phototristan]

Even if the person didn’t have Alzheimer’s, they should still have a customer friendly return policy to any customer.

[@johndell5088]

Just chargeback on the card and watch the whole “no refund” be a thing of the past

[@johnnyarellano7653]

Wow just wow!! How haven’t they shut down that scam store ??

[@tyzxcj34]

Great reporting! Total con artist who is sorry they got caught.

[@PoppyOak]

There should be a local protest in front of their business. Total crooks.

[@armandovera2304]

Elder financial abuse

[@jgnmtz]

Thank you Dan Noys. I emailed that company and demanded he pay the money back . He finally stepped up!

[@karlad4082]

This store seems like a big scam. I wonder how long he’s been scamming people. I wouldn’t get near to that store.

[@sirblanka]

Both owner and lawyer look like untrustworthy scammers.

[@Sora_Digital]

Shady as can be! Put them out of business!

[@dquan731]

Liars. Lock them up.

[@Calinotch06]

All these people can't be lying.

[@thekid1597]

Yes, all 3 can't be lying...lol.

[@lisagoldberg5178]

Thank you! Keep up the good work. Let's put these types of predators out of business!

[@ashleylala4293]

If that guy defrauded my elderly mother, he would be real sad to meet my brothers. This country needs to get back to the way it used to be.

[@Rantsack]

The authorities will do nothing, I think the people should handle it themself in their own way.

[@devotchkac8365]

Scammers have been around since the beginning of trade. At least in present day, it is much easier to prove, call out, and hold accountable those that scam.

[@fandomcheergurl1006]

What a crook! Immoral business practices.

[@OracleofDelphiTarot]

Any time you need or want to return an item and they give you issues just say you had an allergic reaction to it. They will take it back quickly to not get sued in CA

[@tburgher1]

What a freaking scam!

[@benjaminnunes9636]

I used to live in Los Gatos this place has been a problem for years I'm amazed it hasn't been closed earlier

[@beaverc2884]

The sleazy store has a sleazy Attorney.

[@leotang2818]

People need to boycott this business and let them go OUT OF BUSINESS!!!!

[@DeadAir21]

These types of businesses don’t have repeat customers. They make their money by pulling you in off the street and apply pressure on you to buy. This happens across the country in malls in major shopping centers. They’re just doing it on a much bigger scale.

[@sunflower8035]

@@DeadAir21 Yep. Typical foreigners and we all know what country they are from.

[@lemondropkid6175]

predatory - that's the word

[@yadeesh1]

I saw similar case on Jdge Judy. These people are ripping off people

[@sunflower8035]

Foreigners.

[@Hollysays]

Yes! Was looking for this comment, I saw that episode too and was wondering if it was the same place.

[@tayloredin99]

how is this not elder abuse. he's clearly preying on older women.

[@fabianvictoria-moreno3008]

Business will be closed soon

[@Pie4life123]

“I got caught “ now I’m gonna act nice

[@eringemini7091]

For $16K, she could instead of had Plastic Surgery. 😳 ( but she doesn't need it)😊💕

[@HughMungus8]

Oh now he wants to refund everything? Too late buddy. You’re in deep now.

[@cecilecorpuz5735]

Scammers, crooks and he looks like he's in need of his own crummy product.

[@BrakRulesAll]

As if the ripoff isn't bad enough, these are total junk products that are literally worse than stuff you can buy at Walgreens for a few bucks. The same scam is going on in Vegas, and there are a ton of shops doing it. I hope there's a special place in hell for people like this guy.

[@marih3286]

This could all probably be resolved by having the "Elements" corporation remove this shop from their approved retailers list. He is causing their corporation "harm" with his unsavory business practices. It's time to pull the rug out from under this crook...

[@brandonellis9180]

It’s dumb that we get to give people’s licenses to lie and defend criminals. Lawyer is so young and already sold his soul in order to “win”

[@liliachan3753]

This is fraud! They should be jailed. Illegally submitting credit applications and then keeping the money. They are no different from online scammers.

[@DxxxLxxxxx-iw1ox]

Great, hiding behind an attorney 👎

[@desertpirate9413]

Dan Noyes is one of the few investigative journalists out there that truly does investigative journalism. He is such an amazing journalist.

[@cdhui]

DA needs to get their act together and start answering questions.

[@LoveUnboxxing]

This is similar giving free sample at Las Vegas those people look like middle eastern people.

[@sunflower8035]

Yep.

[@marialaurel6440]

Even the attorney looks shady...Is he really an attorney?

[@branchestarot]

Excellent reporting!! I feel this is not the end of this story-- I am a journalism senior at Sam Houston State University- your package was longer than were taught here but this was well done, and you gave me some ideas how reporters can investigate businesses like these.

[@hitekcountry]

Take out a loan to buy skin care products? Are you serious?

[@zorrosword123]

"Goldin" surname! That's ALL I had to hear. The "chosen" folk, of course.

[@MaryJaneJones.]

I thought the same thing.

[@Native722]

In the end, they are sales people and very pushy ones at that.

[@caiuspostumiusturrinus1024]

ABC 7 look into his immigration status, he's not even legal.

[@billmoran3219]

How the hell is a skin care business allowed to process low interest loans and who is underwriting them? A furniture store or a used car dealer can write contracts for financing (they are all underwriting by another entity) but a business that does facials ? Scammers will do anything to not have to make an honest buck.

[@coolzworldd]

What a crook, his lawyer and who knows what other weirdos are involved

[@MsArtistwannabe]

All one has to do is leave the store without the purchase. Then call the credit card company and tell them.

[@BrendaAugustine-r1c]

If I were sitting in the chair having a facial or a haircut and was asked by an employee for my social security number I would consider that a humongous red flag!

[@jmbisme]

Call the attorney general.

[@jjreilly3]

Look into Care Credit that gave the credit in the story next, that company is a big problem nation wide , from dental to pet care they are everywhere

[@jessicah3782]

Ooo I love the follow up

[@itsLIZARD89]

Care Credit needs to be notified so they don’t work with them anymore

[@trumpialightning1691]

what a crook!

[@jasonsmith1143]

SAD

[@CuseVegas]

In America there are a lot of illegal immigration rings that use these kiosks to import Israelis to America illegally. This is extremely common, and there are never refunds. Everywhere from Hollywood to Aspen to Miami to Irvine to Maui to NYC.

[@chantalle7340]

this guy most most likely was originally from russia

[@Kingdom_Truth]

@@chantalle7340 jews aren't Russian so that doesn't matter.

[@DSTREETMEDIA]

💯REAL MEN of LOS GATOS NEED TO STAND UP NOW ! WELCOME TO THE WILD WEST MR.GOLDIN

[@salmon1166]

They have these stores in Hawaii and their pitch is aggressive. Such a scam!!

[@SueP-D]

Something similar to this was going on in some malls in SoCal. The store was called “Gold” something I think, or the product was gold something - I can’t remember. They aggressively run over to and holler out to shoppers walking by. They all wore the same all black clothing like this store does. ONE TIME I said “fine” I’ll come in but I’m not buying anything. They did their really aggressive pitch, telling me how beautiful I was, etc. then I said “Thanks -bye”. Girl they followed me out the store and into the mall trying to change my mind! After a while, shoppers started walking on the other side of the mall, getting as far away as they could and making no eye contact. Aggressive salespeople are always 💯 percent gonna scam you.

[@parameswarar2]

​@@SueP-Dthey all the same,all scammers!

[@SueP-D]

@@parameswarar2 YES! Shady and sleezy

[@jb16237]

What kind of cowardly man buys something he cant afford just because he wants to leave? That sounds like bs. Just leave if you want

[@LUribe408]

Should be a protest in front of the store to raise awareness.

[@alyssa0411]

They are no different than the eastern europeans who try to force samples into your hand at a mall kiosk. I wouldn’t be shocked if they bought empty bottles and packaging and filled them with Jergen’s hand lotion. I would also be highly suspicious if I saw a big ‘no returns’ sign. If you’re dropping $10k+ on some cold cream, you should be able to return it or get store credit.

[@nika4843]

They're the same people.

[@allenshelton824]

Of COURSE he's named "GOLDEN" 😂😂😂. Who knew...he's a j...

[@traveler9212]

From the juice line 🤣

[@allenshelton824]

​@@traveler9212100%! 😂

[@Kingdom_Truth]

Every single time.

[@camillecruzfit]

Just an awful business…I believe the women working there were pressured to sell by the owner. They walk on the street and harass the public. I told them I was not interested in the products because of the heavy and unsustainable packaging. They brought in the owner and there was nothing that Golden could say in his defense.

[@bobcaygeon975]

Lauderdale and Key West had the same crew of Israeli theives.

[@vmarsfiles]

16,000 for skin care is ridiculous

[@MannyFresh1985]

I have never wanted a business to fail more than this one.

[@joannewhite7154]

Don't leave the shop and call the police to get your money back. Don't leave the shop as then the seller can say you accepted the sale. Also put a limit on your credit card that way you will have to allow anything over the amount on your limit by answering a amediate text from your bank.

[@mei6044]

He's not one bit sorry. Too late. Shut that business down!