Suspicion in the US: Employees of an Israeli company "imprisoned" a young man with a disability until he paid $50,000
Los Angeles police have launched an investigation into the Israeli company "Mazal" (Mazal Group), after according to a CBS report, employees of the Bee & Co kiosk at a mall charged a customer with a developmental disability approximately $41,747 and approximately $10,120 in "tips." Victor Chisolm, 30, claims he was locked in a back room until he handed over his credit card. A class-action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of more than 100 customers.
Los Angeles police have launched an investigation into the Israeli company "Mazal" (Mazal Group), following an investigation by CBS News. According to the report, employees of the Bee & Co kiosk at the Westfield Topanga mall charged Victor Chisolm, a 30-year-old with a developmental disability, approximately $41,747 for creams and skincare products, as well as approximately $10,120 in "tips" for the salesperson. Chisolm, who lives in assisted housing within walking distance of the mall, received compensation several years ago for a car accident. He says the kiosk employees took him to a back room, yelled at him, and refused to release him until he handed over his credit card. He said they forced him to add a tip. Another customer, Gabe Cota, also contacted the police. He said an employee at the kiosk pulled him in with a sample and a compliment and charged him over $3,000, and on a return visit convinced him to transfer $300 from his bank account. A CBS reporter who went to the kiosk as an undercover agent was offered an eye cream for over $1,200, followed by a "discount" of more than half. A class-action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of more than 100 customers, alleging losses approaching $1 million. The company received an F rating from the Better Business Bureau and did not respond to 33 complaints. A lawyer for the company called the coverage "one-sided" and blamed a "rogue employee."