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.
Modus Operandi
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.
Impact on Legitimate Businesses
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.
Continuing the Business
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.
161580866_All_Star_GamerLM2189Muzikâ„¢, creators of the first smart and connected headphone whose platform enhances user experiences and connects culture through award-winning technology, today announced Chris Paul as a strategic investor. Paul, nine-time All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has joined the Muzik family alongside various disruptors from the worlds of sports, music and entertainment. Paul, known for his dynamic style of play, is one of the most dominant players in professional basketball. With Muzik, Paul will play an influential role off the court as an active investor and advisor in the company. Additionally, he will be an integral part of Muzik’s first product launch, Muzik Convertible, due out in spring 2016.”For me, music plays a role in all aspects of my life, whether I’m preparing for a game or spending time with my family,” said Chris Paul. “Once I experienced Muzik’s headphones and saw how much they enhance your whole experience, I knew it was a company I wanted to be a part of. This is more than a partnership, I’ve seen what Muzik has in development and I’m fully invested in the future of the brand.”Combining sleek design with smart on-ear controls, social connection, a companion app, and of course, outstanding sound, Muzik’s Convertible device enhances the listening experience with proprietary technology that integrates seamlessly with today’s most popular applications. By combining software with hardware, Muzik headphones, like your smartphone, can only get smarter over time. Through remote software updates and an open SDK, developers will also have the ability to build third-party applications that integrate right into Muzik’s system.”I’m excited to welcome Chris to the Muzik family and work together to create game changing products” said Jason Hardi, Muzik’s Founder and CEO. “It means so much to me that Chris believes in the Muzik team and our vision. It’s an honor to have Chris involved as we gear up for our official launch this spring.”Among Muzik’s investors are Super Bowl Champion Demaryius Thomas and leading social networking platform Twitter. Since its founding in 2012, Muzik has raised more than $18 million in funding and has aligned with the world’s leading companies and individuals across sports, entertainment and technology.