But don't you advantage of people

@cbsla

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SoundTikTok sound · original sound - cbsla

Why it worked

The video likely resonated due to its focus on consumer protection and allegations of exploitation, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. The use of personal testimonials and legal action adds credibility and emotional weight, making the story compelling.

Summary

This news report investigates allegations of coercion and pressure tactics used by sales staff at Bee & Co. skincare stores against customers, particularly those with disabilities or who are elderly. The report features testimonials from customers who claim to have been pressured into spending thousands of dollars, and mentions a class-action lawsuit against the parent company, Mazal Group, for unfair and deceptive practices.

Structure

1Introduction of allegations against Bee & Co.
2Customer testimonials of coercion and overspending
3Legal action against parent company Mazal Group
4Overview of other linked stores and locations
5Concluding remarks on the investigation

Product placement

CBS LA (CBS Los Angeles): Appears as a watermark in the corner of the video. Removing it would not change what happens in the video. Bee & Co.: Acts - This is the name of the store where the alleged coercion took place. The video shows the store's exterior and interior, and discusses customer interactions within it. Removing it would fundamentally change the video's narrative. Gabe Cota: Appears - A customer who is featured in the video. Removing him would change the narrative. Victor Chisholm: Appears - Another customer featured in the video. Removing him would change the narrative. Mazal Group: Acts - This is the parent company of Bee & Co. The video discusses a class action lawsuit against Mazal Group and its alleged practices. Removing it would change the video's narrative. Introstem: Appears - Mentioned as a store linked to Mazal Group. Removing it would not change the main narrative about Bee & Co. Rachel's Best Soaps: Appears - Mentioned as a store linked to Mazal Group. Removing it would not change the main narrative about Bee & Co. The Soap Tree: Appears - Mentioned as a store linked to Mazal Group. Removing it would not change the main narrative about Bee & Co. Westfield Topanga Mall: Appears - A location where Bee & Co. is situated. Removing it would not change the main narrative. Westfield Fashion Square: Appears - A location where Bee & Co. is situated. Removing it would not change the main narrative. Del Amo Mall: Appears - A location where Bee & Co. is situated. Removing it would not change the main narrative. The Shops at Santa Anita: Appears - A location where Bee & Co. is situated. Removing it would not change the main narrative. Glendale Galleria: Appears - A location where Introstem is situated. Removing it would not change the main narrative. Northridge Mall: Appears - A location where The Soap Tree is situated. Removing it would not change the main narrative. CBSLA.com: Appears - The website of the news outlet. Removing it would not change what happens in the video.

Original caption

CBS California Investigates found that customers with disabilities and older adults said they were allegedly pressured into spending thousands of dollars at Bee & Co.'s mall-based skincare stores across the Southland. Gabe Cota, who has a learning disability, said he spent more than $3,000 at Bee & Co. after being drawn into the store by a free sample and a compliment from a saleswoman. Bee & Co. is a skincare and wellness brand that offers natural products and in-store treatments. Since our reporting was published, other customers have come forward with similar allegations.

More from @cbsla

On-screen text

Kristine: But don't you advantage of people Store Manager: Don't film me... with disabilities here with disabilities Kristine: there with disabilities Store Manager: I don't want please don't film me we were there to respond to allegations that sales location routinely coerce and pressure unsuspecting shoppers including those who are elderly or have disabilities into handing over thousands of dollars for skincare Gabe Cota spent more than $3,000 & Co on all these items was drawn into a free sample and a compliment I was basically in their web and I could I couldn't escape making a sale Cota has a stutter and learning disabilities what makes me feel vulnerable would if somebody were a compliment my my supposed like attractiveness because like most of I've never really felt attractive felt attractive we previously reported that the same allegedly happened to Victor Chisholm who $50,000 $28,471 $50,410 $51,251 over several visits at Bee & Co late last year Chisholm is also intellectually disabled both men claim the same B salesperson this woman who introduced herself as Daniella flirted with them and convinced them to hand over their credit cards even when they told her repeatedly that they didn't want to at one point she won't take no for an answer and then the second time like she tried that sweet talk me into the sale so you're breaking me this is not our malls United States Congressman Brad Sherman represents parts of the San Fernando Valley including the Westfield Topanga Mall do you think that the state at this that law enforcement this should potentially be a a criminal or a civil issue this is something I've got to bring to the Bonta and our state attorney general Bee & Co. Mazal Group is based in Chatsworth Mazal recently settled a class action filed by more than 100 customers who alleged unfair and deceptive acts and practices in skincare stores in Hawaii total of nearly $1 million in losses Mazal is linked to many more stores in Southern California including the at Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks The Shops at Santa Anita in Arcadia at Del Amo Mall in Torrance and Introstem and another at Glendale Galleria Mazal is also connected to Rachel's Best Soaps at the Brea Mall and The Soap Tree at the Northridge Mall to ask questions in person after Mazal and Bee & Co ignored multiple requests for comment But did you feel okay taking money from people people who feel pressured and coerced I told you that I don't in your video so don't film me Okay Bye. Don't film me without my permission Okay Bye.

Transcript

Kristine: But don't you advantage of people Store Manager: Don't film me... Kristine: with disabilities here with disabilities Kristine: there with disabilities Store Manager: I don't want please don't film me we were there to respond to allegations that sales location routinely coerce and pressure unsuspecting shoppers including those who are elderly or have disabilities into handing over thousands of dollars for skincare Gabe Cota spent more than $3,000 & Co on all these items was drawn into a free sample and a compliment I was basically in their web and I could I couldn't escape making a sale Cota has a stutter and learning disabilities what makes me feel vulnerable would if somebody were a compliment my my supposed like attractiveness because like most of I've never really felt attractive felt attractive we previously reported that the same allegedly happened to Victor Chisholm who $50,000 $28,471 $50,410 $51,251 over several visits at Bee & Co late last year Chisholm is also intellectually disabled both men claim the same B salesperson this woman who introduced herself as Daniella flirted with them and convinced them to hand over their credit cards even when they told her repeatedly that they didn't want to at one point she won't take no for an answer and then the second time like she tried that sweet talk me into the sale so you're breaking me this is not our malls United States Congressman Brad Sherman represents parts of the San Fernando Valley including the Westfield Topanga Mall do you think that the state at this that law enforcement this should potentially be a a criminal or a civil issue this is something I've got to bring to the Bonta and our state attorney general Bee & Co. Mazal Group is based in Chatsworth Mazal recently settled a class action filed by more than 100 customers who alleged unfair and deceptive acts and practices in skincare stores in Hawaii total of nearly $1 million in losses Mazal is linked to many more stores in Southern California including the at Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks The Shops at Santa Anita in Arcadia at Del Amo Mall in Torrance and Introstem and another at Glendale Galleria Mazal is also connected to Rachel's Best Soaps at the Brea Mall and The Soap Tree at the Northridge Mall to ask questions in person after Mazal and Bee & Co ignored multiple requests for comment But did you feel okay taking money from people people who feel pressured and coerced I told you that I don't in your video so don't film me Okay Bye. Don't film me without my permission Okay Bye.