Erik von Detten, the actor who voiced Sid in Toy Story and starred in Disney's The Princess Diaries, has traded Hollywood scripts for legal briefs. The 44-year-old is now at the center of a civil fraud lawsuit in Los Angeles, accused of swindling an elderly couple out of their life savings through overpriced gold coin sales.
Sheila Greenberg, 85, and her husband Norman, 97, filed the suit after losing more than $2 million. They allege that von Detten, working as a precious metals representative for Rosland Capital, exploited their trust and charged exorbitant markups—sometimes nearly 60% above market value—on gold coins. The couple never received the physical coins, which were instead transferred to third-party storage facilities.
From child star to accused fraudster
Von Detten's career included roles in Recess, So Weird, and The Princess Diaries, but he left acting years ago. According to court documents, the Greenbergs contacted Rosland Capital after seeing television ads targeting seniors. They specifically asked for a senior representative, and were connected to von Detten, who assured them he would handle their investments with care.
Between late 2020 and mid-2021, the couple made purchases totaling over $2 million. They only discovered the discrepancy when they used an artificial intelligence tool to audit their finances. Sheila was horrified to see that the coins they bought were worth far less than what they paid.
“We trusted him completely,” Sheila said in a statement. “He seemed like a nice young man, but he took everything we had.”
The lawsuit, filed in California, includes claims for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and elder financial abuse. The Greenbergs are seeking compensatory damages, and the case has drawn attention from retirees and consumer advocates across the country.
Rosland Capital, the company involved, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is under federal supervision. A liquidation committee is reviewing its financial history, which could affect other clients who invested with the firm.
This case is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the precious metals market, especially for older investors. Similar schemes have been reported elsewhere, like the Texas contractor sentenced for home fraud and the California heist of collectible cards, showing that financial exploitation can take many forms.
For Latino families, who often prioritize saving for retirement and may be less familiar with complex investment products, this case serves as a cautionary tale. It's essential to research any investment opportunity, ask about fees and markups, and never rely solely on a salesperson's promises.
As the legal process unfolds, the Greenbergs hope their story will prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes. “We want to warn everyone,” Norman said. “Don't let anyone take advantage of your trust.”
The court will determine the outcome, but the damage to the couple's retirement is already done. For now, they are focused on recovering what they can and spreading awareness about the risks of unregulated gold sales.
