The Law Office of Jason Ingber has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Aliza Wolmark, alleging that Hotel Collection LLC, Aroma360 LLC, Universal Account Servicing LLC (UGA Finance), and celebrity entrepreneur Daymond John engaged in a coordinated scheme to defraud consumers through deceptive sales and financing practices.
According to the amended complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the defendants misled consumers into high-interest loans disguised as “VIP subscription programs” for luxury home fragrances. These loans carried steep interest rates, often exceeding 16% APR, and were marketed using high-pressure sales tactics and misleading promises of monthly scent deliveries.
Fraudulent “VIP” Sales Scheme
The lawsuit alleges that the defendants lured customers with online ads for affordable diffusers, then followed up with aggressive sales calls within hours of purchase. Consumers, including Ms. Wolmark, were told they were signing up for a flat-rate subscription service. In reality, they were entering long-term, non-cancellable financing contracts with UGA Finance for thousands of dollars.
The complaint asserts that the companies’ deceptive business model targeted consumers across the country, masking predatory loan terms behind luxury branding and celebrity endorsements.
Celebrity Involvement: Daymond John and Heather Taras Named
Newly discovered evidence revealed that Daymond John, best known from ABC’s Shark Tank, and his business partner Heather Taras were not just endorsers but part owners of the companies at the center of this scheme.
The amended complaint alleges that John and Taras used their public image to promote Hotel Collection and Aroma360, building consumer trust while concealing the true nature of the financing programs. Evidence suggests they received profits linked to the number of financing contracts executed and continued promoting the companies even after widespread consumer complaints and media coverage of deceptive lending.
Pattern of Deceptive Conduct
The lawsuit further alleges that:
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The defendants made false statements about payment terms, product quality, and the nature of their financing arrangements.
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Consumers were misled into signing high-interest retail installment contracts disguised as memberships.
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Universal Account Servicing LLC (UGA Finance) used multiple business names to obscure its role as the originating creditor.
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Daymond John and Heather Taras exercised operational control over the companies’ marketing and sales strategies.
According to the complaint, this conduct violates federal and California consumer protection laws, including the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA), and the Unfair Competition Law (UCL).
Legal Claims and Relief Sought
The case seeks damages and injunctive relief for:
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Fraud and Misrepresentation
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Violations of TILA, CLRA, and UCL
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Negligence
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False Advertising and Unfair Business Practices
The plaintiffs are asking the court to order restitution for affected consumers, impose penalties for deceptive lending, and require full disclosure of the companies’ ownership and financing practices.
Consumer Impact
Many customers discovered only later that they had been locked into expensive, non-refundable financing agreements with UGA Finance. When they tried to cancel or return their products, they were met with denials, delays, or threats of credit damage.
The lawsuit aims to recover financial losses, restore consumer credit standing, and expose the individuals responsible for orchestrating the scheme.
Protecting Consumers from Corporate Fraud
If you or someone you know was misled by Hotel Collection, Aroma360, or UGA Finance, you may have a legal claim. Do not rely solely on what the company or its representatives tell you, as they may attempt to delay or deny your complaint to avoid accountability.
Our attorneys can step in to evaluate your case and represent your interests with clarity and confidence.
Contact The Law Office of Jason Ingber
The Law Office of Jason Ingber is leading efforts to hold Hotel Collection, Aroma360, and UGA Finance accountable for deceptive business practices and fraudulent lending schemes. We represent consumers nationwide in fraud, false advertising, and consumer protection cases.
If you believe you were deceived into an unfair loan or financing agreement, Contact us today for a free consultation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.