From NPR · · 3m
Skincare scheme leads to lawsuits and federal investigation
Mazal Group's skincare brands pressure shoppers into costly purchases, sparking lawsuits and federal probes.
In brief
Mazal Group's skincare brands pressure shoppers into costly purchases, sparking lawsuits and federal probes. Mazal Group's family-owned skincare brands pressure shoppers into costly purchases, sparking lawsuits and federal investigations. Originally reported by NPR.
Skincare scheme leads to lawsuits
NPR uncovered customers hit with thousands of dollars in unauthorized charges and products they didn't want.
Michigan man charged $42,000
An elderly man with dementia was charged $42,000 for skincare products and devices, his family didn't realize until his credit score dropped.
New Mexico woman charged $44,280
A woman was charged $44,280 after a salesperson kept her in a store for hours, claiming her credit card was declined.
Hawaii disabled woman charged $2,600
A disabled woman was shown to a back room for a 'free' facial, her walker taken and she spent $2,600.
Mazal Group's skincare brands
Mazal Group, a California-based company managing dozens of brands sold in thousands of stores worldwide, is owned by one family.
Over 50 impacted customers
NPR spoke with more than 50 people impacted by Mazal Group, including customers, family members, and former employees.
Federal investigation into visa fraud
Federal agencies investigated stores employing young Israelis on tourist visas to sell products, resulting in more than a dozen guilty pleas for visa fraud.
New Mexico lawsuit against store
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed a lawsuit against Santa Fe Spa Center by Voupre for violations of the state's Unfair Practices Act.
Mary Lee's $19,000 charge
Mary Lee, an artist from Duluth, Minnesota, was pressured into spending $19,000 on products at Santa Fe Spa Center by Voupre.
Ann Arbor store charges
Michele Anliker's elderly mother was pressured into spending $5,000 on products she didn't want at Beauty Essentials in Ann Arbor.
Manhattan Beach woman charged $53,500
82-year-old Mary Ellen Eckhert spent $53,500 across four credit cards at Mia's by Voupre in Manhattan Beach.
Mazal Group family ownership
Mazal Group is owned by Daphna Oded Weingarten, her husband Eli Weingarten, her brother Avihu Oded, and his ex-wife Adi Sharvit Oded.
2010 embassy warning
In 2010, the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv warned of fraudulent activity linked to the 'Dead Sea industry' that spread to 36 states.
2013 'Salty Winds' operation
In 2013, federal agents conducted a raid on Shai Cohen's stores in D.C.-Maryland-Virginia, arresting 12 young Israelis working on tourist visas.
Shai Cohen's prison sentence
Shai Cohen pleaded guilty in 2023 to conspiracy to launder money and facilitate illegal entry, serving 11 months of a two-year prison sentence.
Omer Gur's prison sentence
Omer Gur pleaded guilty in 2016 to visa fraud and money laundering conspiracy, serving 30 months of a 6.5-year prison sentence.
The short version
Mazal Group's family-owned skincare brands pressure shoppers into costly purchases, sparking lawsuits and federal investigations.
