Scammers are targeting clients looking to get their hair braided by using real stylists’ work and creating fake social media pages.
Reports of Scams
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is receiving reports of scams targeting individuals wanting braids. Scammers take pictures from legitimate stylists and post them on fake social media pages.
Potential clients find the fake pages and book appointments, often making small deposits. Clients realize they have been scammed when they do not hear back from the supposed stylist on the appointment day.
Real stylists like Porsche Hensley, who has been braiding hair for over 10 years and owns Divine Innovation 615 in Nashville, are affected. Hensley reported instances where clients arrived for appointments, only to find out they were scammed.
Precautions to Avoid Scams
BBB advises not to pay for the service in full before the appointment. Visit the stylist’s location before booking. Verify the stylist’s work by searching for them online and including the word “scam” after their name. Ask for the stylist’s license number and verify it.
Despite the scams, stylists like Porsche Hensley remain undeterred and continue their work.
Conclusion
Scammers exploiting the popularity of hair braiding are causing issues for both clients and legitimate stylists. Clients are advised to take precautions to ensure they are booking authentic services.
We told you last week about the big announcement coming from AURN. It’s out.
CEO Chesley Maddox-DorseyAURN’s Organization and Leadership AnnouncementNew York, NY: Access.1 Communication’s wholly owned subsidiary National Black Network Broadcasting (“NBN”), has completed the successful acquisition of American Urban Radio Networks (AURN) in settlement of its breach of fiduciary duty lawsuit against its former partner Sheridan Broadcasting Networks, Inc. Sheridan turned over its majority partnership interest to NBN, in addition to making certain financial payments, to resolve the federal court litigation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As of May 1st, NBN and Access.1 are the 100% owners of AURN.AURN’s business operations will continue with its talented and dedicated workforce under the direction of CEO Chesley Maddox-Dorsey; President, Program Operations & Affiliations, Jerry Lopes; and President of Network Sales, Howard Eisen. “It’s been almost 25 years since Sid Small and Ron Davenport, Sr. had the vision of creating AURN. The partnership by any measure has been a huge success,” said Chesley Maddox- Dorsey, CEO of Access.1 Communications and American Urban Radio Networks. “Now that Sheridan has passed the baton to us we intend to build on those successes by expanding our capacities to serve our primary advertising and radio station constituencies. It was vitally important to us to put AURN in a position of strength so that we can grow the business and continue our important mission,” said Maddox-Dorsey.About American Urban Radio NetworksAmerican Urban Radio Networks (AURN) is the only African-American owned RADAR rated radio Network Company in the United States. It is the largest network reaching Urban America with nearly 20 million listeners each week. Through four programming networks and its marketing division, American Urban Radio Networks reaches more African- Americans than any other medium in America and produces more programming than all other broadcasting companies combined. American Urban Radio Networks broadcasts 200 weekly news, entertainment, sports, and information programs to more than 300 radio stations nationwide. It is the only African-American broadcaster with a bureau in the White House. AURN has offices and bureaus in New York, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.About Access.1 CommunicationsAccess.1 Communications owns 5 radio stations and Superadio Networks. Superadio Networks is a multi-format producer and distributor of marquee radio programs including shows in the Urban, Urban Adult, Mainstream Top 40, Rhythmic, Talk, Country, Hot AC, Rock, Dance, Alternative, Gospel and Oldies formats.
