VIDEO: The skincare sample is free. What happens next can cost thousands
Fading3 outlets reported this in 5 reports over 2 days - a further 1 report reprinted copy already published elsewhere
original reportingcopies
Wed, 14 October 2026peak 4 reports on Wed, 14 October 2026Fri, 16 October 2026
What it is about
NPRU.S.Rosem MortonOded WeingartenMatt GrimmCox FrickeCaley Fox ShannonSara ShalowitzOmer GurJose Luis MaganaBrian TilkerMary LeeJocelyn ChaceEli WeingartenMichele AnlikerAvihu OdedTibrina Hobson GettySuzann RobertsSuzanne KreiterCaroline Yang
Who published it, and when
How it spread - 4 original reports, 1 reprint
Wed, 14 October 2026
3 reports- NPR News09:00first to report
Free samples, high-pressure pitches and $50,000 bills: An NPR investigation reveals how a network of mall skincare stores systematically targeted older adults and people with disabilities across the U.S.
1 reprint
- tpr.org14 Oct, 15:36their copy
- NPR News09:00
For years, customers have complained of aggressive sales tactics and charges at mall skincare stores. NPR investigated the business that connects many of them.
- Google News - Top Stories09:00
The skincare scheme that led to consumer complaints, lawsuits and a federal investigation NPR
Fri, 16 October 2026
1 report- wknofm.org08:51
NPR investigations spent more than a year uncovering the company behind a skincare scheme that led to consumer complaints, lawsuits and a federal investigation.