The skincare scheme that led to consumer complaints and a federal investigation

It's a familiar experience for anyone who has walked through an American shopping mall: A friendly salesperson approaches with a free sample of skincare cream, offering the promise of younger-looking skin. But behind this familiar mall ritual, NPR uncovered something far more costly: customers hit with thousands of dollars in charges they never authorized and products they didn't want and can't return. This episode was reported by Monika Evstatieva and Caley Fox Shannon. It was produced by Mia Venkat and Monika Evstatieva, with audio engineering by Jimmy Keeley. It was edited by Barrie Hardymon and Robert Little. Our executive producer is Courtney Dorning. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one.