Ugly Situation After Skin Care Clinic Closes
(CBS SF) -- A national chain of skin care clinics has reportedly filed for protection from its creditors in bankruptcy court, leaving thousands of customers who paid money up-front for services wondering what to do next.
According to Crain's, American Laser Skincare filed for creditor protection Thursday in Delaware. The company reportedly listed assets of less than $50,000 and debt of more than $100 million. American Laser Skincare abruptly closed more than 100 clinics in 14 states last month. At least 30 of those clinics are located in California.
"I definitely feel cheated," said customer Anna Freedenfeld of San Francisco. Last year, she signed up for a treatment package costing $2,400 at American Laser Skincare's office in San Francisco. "It was just something I wanted to do to treat myself." But, she never got the full value. Last month when Freedenfeld called to make an appointment, no one answered the phone. And when she went to the office to investigate, there was a sign saying the clinic was closed. "I don't even think I had half the treatments," she told ConsumerWatch.
A message on the American Laser Skincare website says "we are taking steps to find alternative providers." But many customers who've prepaid for treatments say they're frustrated because the company has made no effort to reach out to them. "I still haven't received a letter or email," Freedenfeld said.
ConsumerWatch made numerous attempts to contact American Laser Skincare's attorney, Kathrine Wenger. She did not return our calls.
