Laser packages gone: I-Team investigates

CHICAGO (WLS) -- They pre-paid for hair removal and skin treatments but say when it was time to redeem the rest of the deal, the doors were closed.

American Laser Skincare has 175 stores nationwide and 10 in the Chicago area. Customers called the I-Team after they say they paid big bucks for skin treatments and hair removal packages that they may never receive.

The Illinois attorney general's office said that American Laser Skincare has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. From a mall in Lakeview to an office plaza in Naperville, the national chain is closed for business.

There was only a construction worker at the Naperville store where Nick Verveniotes used to be a customer. He paid about $1,600 for hair removal services, but says he had only one session.

"There was a sign saying it was closed due to operations being ceased," Verveniotes said.

Verveniotes said he reported it as fraud and the bank eventually reversed the charge, but that money was missing from his checking account for months.

"It was very stressful, angry. Back and forth, I had to contact the attorney general, go online, go though he BBB fill out forms," Verveniotes said.

Nancy Doyle is still trying to get money back. She paid $3,000 for skin treatments and estimates that she has about $2,000 worth of them left.

"I'm very angry," Doyle said. "I'm not the only one."

The Illinois attorney general says it has 24 complaints on file, all regarding services paid for but not rendered. The AG's office says the company filed for bankruptcy in December and that customers should file claims with the bankruptcy court.

The Better Business Bureau also has an alert on the company with 479 complaints registered to the American Laser Skincare headquarters in Farmington Hills, Mich.

The I-Team called two listed numbers for the company and got a busy signal, and emails to American Laser Skincare bounced back. A message on their website reads: "If you are a client with a treatment package that has not yet been completed, we are taking steps to try to find alternative providers for you as quickly as possible."

To avoid losing money, use a credit card for any pre-paid package deals so your checking account is not affected - never use cash - and use those packages as quickly as possible.

If you don't want to deal with the risk of paying up front for packaged deals, you can insist on paying as you go, but the price will many times be higher.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Filing a claim with the bankruptcy court to try to get money back:

-In 12/04/2014, the business filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 (Liquidation) of the federal Bankruptcy Act, case# 14-12702(BLS). Those with monetary claims against the business are advised to obtain a Proof of Claim form by writing to US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware 3, 824 N. Market Street Wilmington DE 19801 for resubmission to that court. The case number should be entered on the form.

BBB Business review of American Laser Skincare

American Laser Skincare website message