Sheila Greenberg, 85, and her husband Norman, 97, both longtime residents of La Jolla, California, have taken legal action against former “Princess Diaries” actor Erik von Detten and the precious‑metal investment firm Rosland Capital. The couple alleges that the defendants engaged in fraud and elder abuse by convincing them to purchase gold coins at inflated prices and to place further investments through their family trust.
Allegations of overcharging and undue influence
According to court documents obtained by USA Today and People Magazine, the Greenbergs claim they paid more than $2.1 million for gold coins that were worth only about $1.3 million. They describe the price difference as a “substantial markup” and say they were misled by promises that the “ancient stability” of gold would protect them from “complete financial ruin.”
The lawsuit also accuses Rosland Capital of capitalizing on older customers’ concerns about their finances by promoting gold and other precious metals as safe, stable investments. The Greenbergs say a television commercial for the firm heightened their anxiety about the safety of their wealth, prompting them to seek the company’s advice.
Additional investment through a family trust
Beyond the initial purchase, the Greenbergs allege that von Detten persuaded them to invest an additional $114,000 in gold through their family trust after they had exhausted their retirement savings. The actors’ involvement began after the couple requested to speak with the firm’s top advisor, after which von Detten was assigned to their case.
Von Detten, 44, is best known for playing Josh Bryant in the 2001 film “The Princess Diaries.” After a brief return to acting in the 2024 Lifetime movie “My Acting Coach Nightmare” and a cameo as Sid in “Toy Story 3,” he joined Rosland Capital in 2018 as a broker.
Legal claims and next steps
The complaint lists several causes of action, including fraud, elder abuse, breach of fiduciary duty, and conversion. The Greenbergs are seeking at least $900,000 in damages and request the return of their losses. A case management conference is scheduled for November 9, 2026.
Rosland Capital filed for bankruptcy shortly after the Greenbergs filed their lawsuit, adding another layer of complexity to the proceedings.
Community impact
This case highlights growing concerns among seniors about investment scams that target their financial vulnerability. Local consumer‑protection advocates urge older adults to seek independent financial counsel before committing large sums to high‑risk investments, especially those marketed with promises of “ancient stability” or guaranteed protection against market downturns.
Residents of La Jolla and the broader San Diego area are encouraged to stay informed about the signs of potential fraud, including unusually high markups, pressure to invest through trusts, and reliance on emotional appeals about financial security.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
