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Erik von Detten Sued Over $2.1M Gold Investment Fraud
· Confirmed
In Short: Actor Erik von Detten, known for roles in 'The Princess Diaries' and 'Brink!', is facing a lawsuit alleging elder abuse and fraud over a $2.1 million gold investment with Rosland Capital.
According to court documents, Sheila Greenberg, 85, and her husband, Norman Greenberg, 97, filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on May 11.
The couple claims they were initially connected with von Detten, who worked for Rosland Capital, after seeing a television ad in 2020.
They allege that von Detten presented himself as knowledgeable about gold investments and convinced them to invest their $2 million in retirement savings.
The Greenbergs claim they purchased Lady Liberty gold coins worth about $1 million in their first transaction.
They allege that subsequent purchases, totaling over $2.1 million, were overpriced, with the coins being worth only $1.3 million.
According to Fox News, the couple paid $3,009.56 per ounce when the spot price of gold was approximately $1,903 per ounce.
The lawsuit accuses von Detten and Rosland Capital of financial elder abuse, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, constructive fraud, and conversion.
The Greenbergs claim they were overcharged for additional gold coins, including PAMP British Museum Lewis Chessmen coins and PAMP F1 Abu Dhabi coins.
Sheila Greenberg used AI to research Rosland's business practices and uncovered what she described as unethical conduct.
The couple alleges that Rosland Capital pursued other sources of money, including using their family trust to purchase nearly $200,000 worth of additional gold coins.
No public response from von Detten or Rosland Capital addressing these specific claims has been reported.
The lawsuit highlights the alleged high-pressure sales tactics used by Rosland Capital to appeal to senior citizens.
What's confirmed
- According to court documents obtained, Sheila Greenberg, 85, and her husband, Norman Greenberg, 97, filed the lawsuit against von Detten and Rosland Capital, which buys and sells precious metals.
- According to the couple, they told the actor they had about $2 million available to invest but knew little about gold.
What's still developing
- Erik von Detten built his early fame as the lead of the Disney Channel movie ‘Brink!’ in 1998, where he played Andy ‘Brink’ Brinker.
- "designed in large part to appeal to senior citizens through their television and internet advertising, direct mail brochures, and high-pressure boiler-room type sales practices."
- The plaintiffs, Sheila and Norman Greenberg, identified in the complaint as 85 and 97, respectively, accuse von Detten and the precious-metals company of misconduct surrounding their purchases.
- The 44-year-old actor, best known for his roles in The Princess Diaries, Brink! and Toy Story, is being sued alongside precious metals company Rosland Capital.
- Once put in touch with von Detten, one of the company's top advisors, the couple disclosed that their combined traditional IRA accounts contained more than $2 million.