Feb 14, 2025
Vancouver, Washington resident Donna — who asked to be identified by only her first name — was walking in Vancouver Mall when she passed a kiosk passing out eye cream.
A young woman suggested Donna join a spa program at BH28 Skincare Consultants, reported KOIN 6 News.
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Donna, 75, was soon introduced to the spa's owner, 27-year-old Hai Baranetz, who signed her up for the spa program for 'just' $5,000 — a 50% discount, according to him.
What started out as a way for Donna to feel more comfortable in her skin turned out to be a costly scam when Baranetz drove her to her bank and tried to convince her to give him $1 million for further treatment.
“I was almost, like, in a trance when I even went in and asked for it,” Donna told KOIN 6 News.
Older Americans are increasingly at risk of scams, but banks and financial institutions are helping block scammers' attempts to take advantage of elderly adults. Luckily for Donna, her bank stopped her from withdrawing the cash.
Here's what happened and how you can protect those most vulnerable.
How did the scam play out?
After Donna signed up for the spa treatment and handed over $5,000, she started going in for red light body treatments. During her visits, Donna said Baranetz was very nice and then started hitting on her.
“I was in my shorts and stuff, and he said, ‘Oh, nice tummy,’ giving you the compliments, making you feel good. And that’s why I went there. It made me feel good about myself,” she told KOIN reporters. “I needed something because the last few years I was ready to take a walk and never come home.”
After building a relationship with Donna during her treatments, Baranetz escalated the situation. He told Donna he wanted her to enter a contest so she could become the company's spokesperson.
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“So he says, ‘Yeah, we’re going to do a complete body sculpture. We’re going to measure your waist. We’re going to measure everything, and we’re going to make you all over,'” Donna told reporters. “When I told him, ‘Yeah, I’d kind of like to do it,’ he sticks his arm out and says, ‘Come on, we’re going.'”
Baranetz then took Donna to her nearest bank branch and said she needed to take out a cashier's check for $1 million. When she seemed confused, he said $50,000 would be enough.
“I wasn’t even thinking. Everything just kind of [went] blank, but he made you feel like you were obligated to do it,” Donna shared.
But the bank teller recognized the scam and denied her request. The teller even called other branches to warn them Donna might show up, KOIN reports — and she did. After one bank denied her request, Baranetz took her to another branch location and tried again — but that teller called authorities.
Kim Kapp, spokesperson for the Vancouver Police Department, told KOIN 6 News that officers arrested Baranetz that day because of his connected actions. Authorities have also received multiple complaints alleging tens of thousands of dollars in overcharges and violations of exchange policies at his BH28 Skincare store.
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“We do have some ongoing investigations with relation to some vulnerable adults, senior citizens in particular, that have purchased some items that are extremely costly from a local store,” Kapp told reporters.
As of Feb. 3, the store's kiosk and storefront are abandoned, according to KOIN News 6. The sign has been removed and the windows are blacked out.
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How to protect yourself and loved ones
Donna was lucky that her bank recognized the scam and stepped in before she handed over $50,000. But many older adults aren't as fortunate.
In 2023 alone, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received over 100,000 elder fraud complaints, with reported losses totaling $3.4 billion. That’s an 11% increase from the previous year.
Scammers often target older adults because they may be more trusting and unfamiliar with new fraud tactics. They may use flattery, emotional manipulation and urgency to pressure victims into handing over their cash. Here's how to recognize the warning signs and avoid falling victim:
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Rushed or high-pressure sales tactics. Scammers often push victims into making quick decisions before they have time to think or consult someone they trust.
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Requests for large sums of money upfront. Legitimate businesses don’t ask for thousands — or millions — before providing services.
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Excessive flattery or emotional pleas. Scammers build trust by complimenting and befriending their victims before making financial demands.
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Being taken to the bank by a third party. A legitimate business won’t escort you to your bank and insist on immediate withdrawals.
The best way to protect yourself from scams is to stop them before they start. Make sure to verify a business by researching them online. Read reviews and check to see if they have the required business licenses, if they're required. Cosmetologists and skin care providers, for example, need to be licensed in many states.
Finally, before making any large financial decision, talk to a family member, financial advisor or attorney. Fraud targeting older adults is on the rise, so if you or someone you love is being pressured, make sure to stop and verify the transaction.
If something seems amiss, report it to authorities.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
