Two people with autism say they were scammed at Oak Park Mall

[@CrankyHermit]

It took me a lot of years to learn that "No" is a complete sentence. And I don't suffer from autism. Being nice has its limits, and these businesses deserve no mercy or kindness.

[@akui88]

It’s easy for me, i ain’t got any money. They gonna waste time talking to me.

[@winterblommetjie]

​@@akui88lol so true they'd be done with my broke ass 😂😂😂

[@marilynng2877]

Same with me! I used to be a pushover, that’s until I met my husband. He’s the type of person that would say to someone “I’m not interested” over and over until they realize that he’s not interested! He’s not afraid to say no, and I’m not either. Sometimes is also better to just remove yourself from the situation if you feel pressured to do something you don’t want to. Don’t be afraid to say no, and don’t be afraid to leave.

[@mycinnamongirl]

@@marilynng2877 EXACTLY!

[@aleczavala5010]

Five years ago, the was scammed out of the same amount of money as the first man in the video. My scammer claimed she needed help because she was homeless and out of the goodness of my heart, I couldn’t say no even though I sensed something wasn’t right. Once I realized what was going on, my parents were obviously upset. Now they’ve set up another account for me and it has more than what I lost, but because my parents monitor it, it’s technically not even my money, whereas my previous one was all mine. That scammer took away a lot of things, but what hurts more than losing the money is losing my sense of ownership, independence and self worth. I talked to a counselor at school and she told me that the main issue was that I need to learn how to say no. Then I realized, I grew up in a household where I wasn’t allowed to say no, regardless of what the situation was.

[@stoneyll]

This kind of scam makes my skin boil.

[@CraigTheMan-v4p]

Perhaps autistic people shouldn't be legally allowed to make their own financial decisions.

[@elizabethcarrington5819]

This is infuriating. I have a son with down syndrome and autism and unfortunately, horrible people are out there preying on the trusting and vulnerable. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. There is a special place in heaven for our kids and a special place in hell for the predators.

[@mycinnamongirl]

Correction, they prey on EVERYONE, not just "vulnerable people". Teach your children how to say no. It's very easy.

[@elizabethcarrington5819]

@@mycinnamongirlyou sound like just the kind of asshole they need to avoid.

[@victoriabardsley8097]

@@mycinnamongirl I hope you never have a special needs child. It's not always as easy as saying no.

[@nameisprivate5429]

This isn’t about disabilities. Neither of those people were obviously disabled.

[@marym22]

I'm so mad he said she doesn't look disabled because a police officer said the same thing to me and it's a dangerous statement to make for Americans with Invisible Disablities.

[@gage51desoto]

Exactly. I am high functioning autistic with a physical disability but to look at me you would think I was “normal”.

[@winning3329]

This is a situation that people should be sued for discrimination

[@herchelleonwood7463]

this is why i make sure i have snot hanging.

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

I’m autistic too. My mom raised me to know that saying “no” and walking away when I’m not listened to like that is okay. I stay away from mall salespeople for this very reason.

[@stephaniegoodman6887]

These types of salespeople should be arrested. 🤨

[@normacherylwashington4872]

These types of operations need to be banned!!!

[@jaehparrk]

no they did it out of free will. if they cant even decide what to do, what are they doing walking around mall with no guardians?

[@misaki7325]

They’re usually not even legally able to work. Not from here

[@camillecali2]

Those sales clerks knew what they were doing. You can clearly tell he is what we used used to call slow. These salesgirls were scammers and should be held accoutable

[@PeaceOverHate55]

​@@jaehparrk This comment wins STUPID COMMENT AWARD 😂

[@cubiclestaylor4620]

I have autism as well. However, I find it best to completely ignore everyone out in public that I don't know, including store employees, and this is a good example of why.

[@luminescent__]

Same here. It has made life so much less of a Hell on earth to be honest. Especially if you just make yourself *_LOOK_* like "you're busy" (on a call or listening to music - headphones, calculating whatever you're buying, reading an e book, etc) or just look like you're unapproachable/ in a bad mood 👍

[@wendyokoopa7048]

I have Asperger's and I do this too unless I'm at the gym or a place I know well even online unless I'm actively searching for a connection

[@maggiegarber246]

I had the same pressure sales pitch after the offer for “free” consultation. I am not autistic or anything, I just have a hard time sticking up for myself. I am not sure it was the same store. This happened twice at different locations in the mall. The first time I pretended to speak German and not much English.

[@lucystrider728]

This is heartbreaking. Thank you for covering this!

[@jaehparrk]

huh? what were they doing walking around In mall by themselves???

[@maytwu5044]

These sales people and business should get sue so they do not repeat this

[@brookelynrhodes1998]

Those scammers need to be locked up! Those vulnerable people didn't deserve it. As an Autistic person myself, this infuriates me.

[@RandomRandomnessKCMO]

But you learned to say no eh??

[@jennifernicholson583]

I was at this mall few months ago shopping and a saleswoman stopped me- I believe she was from Eastern Europe, Romania, and was trying to get me and my brother to purchase their skin care products from Prédiré Paris inside the mall. I did not buy anything but-- beware she had me and my brother sitting down chatting about world politics and even had me hold one of their products in my hand. She tried to offer her "employee discount" which I knew was a joke. I was more entertained by her accent and relentless perseverance. Corey and Emily, I am glad you received your money back!

[@sapodeuces]

Same f that lady

[@GH-qk4qn]

They are Israeli.

[@thisisthebeginning4425]

'Gypsys...Wandering Jews..ISRAELI.

[@METALMAN4Wii]

People are awful, everyone is just awful these days.

[@isabelamogosanu7777]

They go after kids too. I almost lost all the money my parents gave me to spend bc i felt like i couldnt say no. they literally sit you down in a chair and makes it feel like you cant run.

[@FC-cu5jw]

Maybe put a limit on their bank account to avoid future problems.

[@TheresanewAuditorintown]

Maybe train the salesperson not to be criminals and thieves

[@kevindavis8938]

Thanks too this story hopefully both companies go out of business great reporting

[@Barlow_Gurl748]

This angers me so much ! I hope Corey is able to get all of his money back!! Yep when I see those kiosk sales people I try to walk quickly away & give no eye contact.

[@YZXRYDR]

PREDIRE at Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, KS has a 1.3/5.0 (169) review. That should tell you something. BOYCOTT them until they close their doors.

[@Warp2090]

last time I went I didn't see a PREDIRE store

[@mintoo2cool]

glad they got their money back. that’s insane that they won’t issue refunds..

[@plicketyplunk]

This is so low. How could they do this? Sue them. Kick the store out of the mall.

[@MM-fe9mz]

While the stores bear some responsibility, also seems like a situation where instead of having a normal debit card, they should have a card like Greenlight (a card designed for kids/teens) so a parent or caregiver can monitor transactions or limit transactions to stores the person typically shops at.

[@mycinnamongirl]

EXACTLY!

[@terriberrens2144]

They almost got me one time years ago. And they are still at it 😢

[@nikkibee187]

This is the new normal for mall retailers. I worked in retail in many mall shops in Missouri. Our supervisors were very aggressive about us meeting sales goals and many people face being let go if they don't meet a certain dollar amount in sales a day or sign up a certain number of people for credit cards at places where they have their own credit cards. We were given penalties or had our hours cut if we didn't meet these usually ridiculously high sales goals, and it was drilled that we couldn't let a customer walk out without buying something at some of the places I worked at. I left retail because I had joined the industry with the intention of making a leisurely activity fun for people. However, it just made me feel bad that I had to pressure people into buying something when they were clearly just looking around and I know this gives people dread. (It has certainly ruined the in-person shopping experience and going to salons to get my hair done, for me, at least.) But many retail employees are human (except for the chatbots on online retailers) and we are aware that these companies are asking us to engage in sale tactics that are manipulative and pushy, and it absolutely makes us uncomfortable. So please don't be afraid to say no in a friendly way and don't feel like you are trapped there. Most people will be understanding if you are still nice and assertive about it. You can always also just walk away if someone really isn't getting the picture and say "nevermind." They will get over it.

[@SFVGIRL]

Then quit and go to another job because that kind of pressure causes this kind of misery. ❤

[@nikkibee187]

@@SFVGIRLI already quit a long time ago. I'm in tech now. :)

[@ryanparkhurst5718]

​@@nikkibee187I am autistic, and have a very hard time with understanding scams? So can you please give me some advice, tips, and tricks to understanding and avoiding scams?

[@eeshiee]

Thank you for covering this. It’s exhausting going to mall and having to deal with this. It’s an awful feeling having to be mean or ignore others.

[@desiv1170]

Do you feel what you did was fair? -Yes, of course... And your name? -I'd rather not give that... ...

[@FlowersOfIcetor]

I work at the mall, I can’t stand that guy. That booth in general just super rubs me the wrong way

[@gratefully.1955]

I was there myself at that very store Tuesday Morning Walking try to walk past this lady just pushed her little sample of whatever it was in my face. I told her I had to somewhere really didn't have time for her to show me some of the products inside the store but of course she says it's only going to take a second so I went in and she got to try to show me all these products and I told her I have to go. She's like come back after your appointment. I ask her did you not just hear me say today's my birthday and I got plans and it's not to spend it in your store. These people are very aggressive the one woman she look like her top was totally all the way open with her boobs basically stick out. I guess is their way of attracting men into their store. They should not be there harassing customers walking through the mall

[@timsanborn1181]

I have autism and this is just sick. i think anyone who prey's on the elderly or people with mental health issues better find their peace with god because I believe there is a special place in hell for people who scam people. I also think the people who are really responsible is the owners of the mall they rent out the stores to the Scammers I hope the Mall shuts them down to save face,

[@sylviatin7225]

Yeah this is a scam. Seem like the she was manipulating him because she saw hes an easy target.

[@dimitriberozny3729]

This is one of the reasons that malls are imploding nowadays!!!

[@Warp2090]

True. But Oak Park mall is thriving.

[@erich84502b]

A used car lot in Colorado sold a mentally challenged man a used high millage care for 6 times what it was worth. They still exist and were probably proud

[@AceHuman]

All items need to be returnable at the very least if they are gonna do a whole sale pitch. That's an issue with these types of retail companies. They force the employee to promote a product heavily and will make it non returnable. You see it in auto parts, clothing, and here.

[@TheVanishing87]

I have autism myself, but thankfully I haven’t been scammed by anyone. But if a salesperson tries to sell me stuff I don’t want or need I would just tell them that I don’t have any money and kept on walking. That should do it I think. If they ask me what I am doing at a mall with no money I would then smile and say, I’m window shopping of course!

[@Neku628]

Yeah, I mean, it's none of their beeswax. I have and continually get scammed but it's mostly over the internet.

[@nickg2561]

The guy was right I couldn't tell she was disabled, but if they only gave her one of the receipts on purpose that there is a sign scamming was taking place.

[@nadiastar6264]

I have the same condition but I am much higher functioning. Thank you for posting this. Now I know not to go there.

[@loreicmaster]

Sue the mall for allowing these types of scammers

[@Warp2090]

It's not the malls fault if they had no idea

[@loreicmaster]

@@Warp2090The mall makes money off the seller they are just as liable.

[@Warp2090]

@@loreicmaster Well the mall did kick them out pretty much right away

[@loreicmaster]

@@Warp2090 Good that will help them in the future against other claims.

[@GrandMasterLynx]

I have Autism myself and I hate when I go to Walmart and you have these internet providers at their booth trying to sell you their services so I just tell them I’m staying at a B&B and walk away When I was at a State Fair I tried one of the Message Chairs and they tried to sell me it and I told them I would need to talk to my Wife about it and just walked away now if I can only find a Wife 😂

[@CN-ys3qv]

If he would’ve asked for her number it would’ve stopped her from trying to upsell more products

[@toddtellstrom8930]

Or she would have given him a wrong number

[@cubiclestaylor4620]

Or she would've called the cops and charged him just to get his disability money. 👮🏻‍♂️💰

[@oldreprobate2748]

Trust no one.

[@winning3329]

Especially at the mall

[@bc5441]

Emily has a Mama Bear on her side! For those without such as advocate (or Fox4-thank you for your report), I hope that retailers will not take advantage of vulnerable customers.

[@mycinnamongirl]

No, teach your kids about accountability. If they make a mistake, they have to learn a lesson in order not to repeat the mistake. All of this handholding and SJW ish is why this world is doomed. Either your child is ready to be independent, or they need guardianship. The way to independence is learning how to manage yourself on your own.

[@Wakeuphigginsville]

Let me show you something amazing. My brother went to Miami with a traumatic brain injury & got his bank account emptied with luxury cars. I’ve thought about writing Desantis and asking about car dealerships selling cars to people with TBI. I’m glad they got help.

[@mintoo2cool]

i used to have trouble saying no. i am finally able to and it feels good to not be taken advantage of

[@PraveenSrJ01]

Shows and proves not everyone is good honest people

[@laurendupree5851]

This is sad

[@CM-xr7hd]

If they can not say no probably should not be allowed to alot of money, how sellers will know if they have any condition, even people with not autism get scammed

[@cathyshappyr]

Better Business Bureau.

[@winning3329]

And ftc

[@Copper20]

This should be declared as a hate crime.

[@Neku628]

I have been mainly taken advantage by individuals. All I get is being yelled at and told by my bank and attorney general that they can't do anything. I get really impulsive, greedy, guit-ridden and desperate. I feel like I have to help them because if i don't then, "I am a horrible human being for these poor people who need the money more than me."

[@di5833]

The government is trying to deliberately make me disabled. I’m forty now. When the government gets their way with me my mom says I have a sick child. I have two Bachelor degrees and work as a cashier where I’m severely abused by my coworkers.

[@starshine3588]

It seems like stores shouldn’t be allowed to coerce people to come in….and that would solve much of this. That man never would have entered that store if the employee hadn’t coerced him….normal stores don’t coerce people to enter….you don’t see employees standing around outside of clothing or music or shoe stores trying to convince people to enter and buy….so places like these face cream and hair product stores shouldn’t be allowed to do it….ban stores from being able to do this and this won’t happen.

[@goddammitboi]

These people have accountability

[@mirelurk-fish7387]

It’s like the AT&T booth inside Costco trying to con me into buying a iPhone 15 pro max for only 99 dollars but then hid a bunch of fees

[@danasmith858]

When you hire scammers in your store to attack the idiots that come by, That's right, they're called sales people

[@PeterPan-h7y]

It is not Corey's fault,those are society's predators.

[@huntresssthompson8080]

“She didn’t look disabled.” What?? Not all disabled people look disabled. Do you need someone to be in a wheelchair to think they’re disabled!? I couldn’t tell that sales guy was ignorant just by looking at him, but then he opened his mouth. 😂

[@hectorrodriguez2686]

High preassure sales.

[@blackrobb913]

ugh... pisses me off...

[@hadley407]

Typically if the return policy is not on a sign and it’s only on the receipt, it’s not binding because you didn’t know about it ahead of time, therefore, you didn’t agree to it. So if this happens to you and it’s a good amount of money, it could be worth it to take the people to court if they’re not willing to refund you. Edit: I’m not a lawyer. This is only my opinion. This is not legal advice.

[@CraigTheMan-v4p]

So, where are people supposed to draw the offical line between determining if the person they are talking to is disabled or not? The main point of credit cards and debit cards too for that matter, is so you could dispute it through the bank, and if it was an unreasonable transaction or unfair, the bank refunds the money.

[@bretthundley9418]

HUGS TO YOU GUYS! SO SORRY THIS HAPPENED TO YOU.

[@goodcommunitylife]

I am autistic myself, and I am very weary of strangers, including people that keep on pushing their sales products on me. I just say “no” and walk away. Also, not all disabilities are visible.

[@Pilioka1]

If they are this incompetent...why are they walking around alone...with cards... 🤔

[@ffftful]

Truly disgusting

[@mikebarbee2217]

Someone should start a go-fund-me for these nice people

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

It jeopardizes disability benefits. I really don’t recommend this.

[@mikebarbee2217]

@@ReineDeLaSeine14 you may be right. I didn't think about that

[@FinnHutcherson]

Similar thing happen to me once when I got an eye exam they never told me that they'd charged despite my insurance companies supposed to pay for it

[@barbararice1196]

What a sin, these people are despicable!

[@MasochistMouse]

I've had these snake oil salespeople get mad at me, but flatly saying sorry I'm broke usually gets them to go harass other people. 😅 However these companies shouldn't be allowed to have their employees try to force people to buy their products-- if someone says no once they should take the hint. Not be expected to talk someone into buying a product that they clearly don't want, or show signs of being unsure that they even want them.

[@didgya]

A lot of 'salespeople' victim blaming in the comments. The sales practices are dishonest and predatory. Just think if grocery shipping was like this? Noone would put up with it but since its beauty products then its okay? No.

[@wafflewafflegod]

These are common sales tactics for these types of businesses. If someone doesn’t have the ability to self manage and self regulate (disability or not), then they need to put up their own guard rails like limiting funds or avoiding places they can’t handle. #RealWorld

[@pamelagraham890]

Exactly! Or simply not have access to funds or a guardian when out & about

[@mycinnamongirl]

Right? Blaming this on targeting people on the spectrum is not holding yourself accountable. Either your child is able to be fully independent and can make the same mistakes as others in a learning process called LIFE, or they should be under some sort of guardianship. Everyone learns lessons by making mistakes and learning from the consequences of those actions, EVERYONE. It's a tough lesson to learn, but it usually only takes the one time to learn that lesson.

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

We need to be taught life skills in school. All kids, not just disabled ones. If my mom hadn’t taught me about money, self determination, etc I would be in this situation.

[@wafflewafflegod]

@@ReineDeLaSeine14 School should probably just be the new State Sponsored Mommy too, eh? 😂

[@teamcatgod7476]

I wish politicians would regulate solicitation so it can be punishable with jail time and all of sudden this isnt a daily issue.

[@taskforcekarma6945]

I always ignore them or tell them "no" when I am at the mall and when they keeping trying to force it on me, I generally tell them off. However I do agree these people at the mall are extremely pushy and need to realize when someone means "no", they mean it and the salesperson shouldn't continue trying to force a product on them.

[@TransitAndTeslas]

Scammed with the stupid same people here in Scottsdale, AZ! I am also autistic.

[@mycinnamongirl]

You weren't scammed. You made a very expensive mistake that turned out to be a life lesson. Someone should have taught you how to avoid these tactics earlier, but now you know. Will you do it again? No? If not then you learned an important life lesson, and it's called not letting others take advantage of you. This is an important lesson for everyone to learn, not just people on the spectrum. Always hold yourself accountable for your mistakes.

[@moniqueloomis9772]

🙄​@@mycinnamongirl

[@r_and_a]

​@@mycinnamongirlsomeone should have taught *you* to stfu when you don't know what you're talking about as well as to have a modicum of humility & compassion ffs

[@KyleWoolridgeGrant]

It sounds like they shouldn't be going to the mall alone.

[@DavidSuarez-l6t]

I am sorry and No matter Autism or not, You should know how to handle your money and make rational descisions and if you cant then you should have someone with you or someone handling your finances. If you walk into a store and you cant make a descision to leave without taking any product from the store, then dont buy things that you dont need or want.

[@ambrag2cute358]

They should be boycotted

[@TheNewgreatlife]

I generally love nice, large malls like Oak Park, but the one thing I HATE about these places is annoying kiosk people! Those folks are nothing but professional con artists. Most of them are very conventionally attractive, charismatic, and persuasive.....all to do ANYTHING to get you to buy their products. They'll also get you in a long, friendly conversation (almost making you feel like you're making a friend), then manipulate you with confusing talk to make you buy something.

[@BoujieKCTrucker]

I have been pressured by these folks. This makes me angry.

[@getalife214]

Stop infantilizing autism. This happens to neurotypical people too.

[@LadyNStreet]

Purely predatory business practice. Just downright evil and despicable.

[@audreynelson8216]

They should be fired!!!!

[@LivingLife-y7c]

Some people are disgusting.

[@GH-qk4qn]

Ah yes! The Israeli kiosk sales people (Nothing against Israel, I love Tel Aviv!) they used to have the "Dead Sea Minerals" skin care Kiosks, now I see they have an actual store front. Don't ever give them your card! and if you like a product negotiate a price and pay cash!

[@newtrollaccount384]

How is anyone supposed to know they are autistic?

[@DRicketts]

Special needs or not they shouldn’t be taking advantage of anyone.

[@kem2271]

They shouldn't scam anyone, whether you have a disability or not.

[@mark-dv9gb]

This makes my skin crawl

[@RandomRandomnessKCMO]

Why are we letting the potatoes out in public?? Seems like dependent persons shouldn’t be allowed alone if this is an issue

[@FlowersOfIcetor]

Oh GOD the Straight Ahead guy is the worrrrrst. I work pretty close to the booth and they blast explicit music SO LOUD. I swear he specifically gets reported for his behavior every other day. I heard him yelling one day and I looked up and he’s just screaming at these girls to “go back to Palestine! Go back to Palestine!” The girls had been in my store earlier and they were perfectly polite, so I really don’t think they started anything. And what in the world would a man selling hair care want to talk to hijabi women about? It’s not like they’re gonna let him see their hair!

[@NicoNicoNiincompoop]

I too got scammed by those guys from Shoe MGK for $43.09 last week, I hope scammers get what they deserved

[@misaki7325]

This has happened to me and they screamed after me harassing me when I said no thanks

[@mycinnamongirl]

Just laugh at them as you walk by.

[@paule8536]

I feel for them but personal responsibility is also in play here. Slippery slope !

[@didgya]

Dishonest practices impair your personal responsibility. Does either of these people deserve being ripped off?

[@newtrollaccount384]

​@@didgya They're blaming a disability and low income. Why would anyone know that about them?

[@newtrollaccount384]

​@@didgyaI feel worse for the man than the woman. Women spend that much on hair all the time.

[@jomiddleton4225]

Don’t you have 3 days to return items

[@weskelly4538]

Uhm. No these people aren’t targeting ‘specific’ people. They throw a line to EVERYONE.

[@Fredcat123]

I’m glad they got their money back. 4:48

[@Mikinaak2023]

Why i dont deal with sales people, period.

[@hehehhehehehehhop2061]

Give them there money back😮

[@arfriedman4577]

I would write the ceo of the company by certified mail.

[@johnpaullennon1199]

She didn't look disabled, Lol this is the type of guy who gets arrested for dating a underage girl and goes she didn't look 16...

[@justjay4412]

Go protest. The community. "Shut it down, shut it down, shut it down, shut it down." It's fun. Builds strong community, I bet. Ya'll ain't gonna get away with this kind of crap. I wish I was nearby. So I can take an active stance. shame shame shame shame

[@brianhaflin9799]

For people saying that they should be responsible for their money/actions for spending the money, you don’t realize how high pressure and tricky some of these salespeople can be. Many are told to sell a certain amount of items and/or make a certain amount of money each day then given the power and freedom to try any tactic they can think of. Let’s say you are at the mall and pass someone giving out “free samples” of hand lotion however what you didn’t see was they were standing next to a sign that states “By accepting a sample of the hand lotion, you agree to enter the store and spend a minimum of $120 inside of the store. Refusal will result in mall security and/or local police being called for theft of goods/service with punishment including banning from mall property and/or possible legal charges”. What is going to be your next move when you have a dab of hand lotion in your palm and the salesperson is pushing inside the store to buy $120 worth of item or have a phone at hand to call security in case you refuse/leave? Imagine being elderly or mentally disabled in that situation and not knowing what to do.

[@Mikinaak2023]

Oh please. Bs

[@mycinnamongirl]

Stop making excuses for this BS. There is no way to legally enforce such a sign outside of a store. Mall security will not enforce it, and they do not have the authority to do so. I take all of the samples I can get from these pushy salespeople, and have a jar that I keep my samples in. Eventually they'll remember my face and leave me alone! But I've got quite the stash saved up.

[@kaynemccully5266]

I have a question, how did they get to the mall and how did they get home😂😂

[@isabellavillanueva4639]

That’s fucked up the malls allow this

[@katieg1763]

Geez o Pete. Everyone knows those shops are bs.