Introduction

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovRNa1msWYU

Friday, May 16, 2025

RLJ Entertainment’s Streaming Channels Available To Amazon Prime Customers

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RLJ Entertainment announces its three proprietary, streaming channels – Acorn TV, UMC, and AcaciaTV – are now available to Amazon Prime members as part of Amazon’s newly announced Streaming Partners Program. As part of the program, Amazon Prime members can easily add on any of the three streaming channels via the Amazon Video app.

Each channel also features a free trial. RLJ Entertainment’s CEO Miguel Penella says, “We are excited for our three streaming channels to be among the launch channels announced by Amazon earlier this week. ” Penella added, “Since Acorn TV debuted in 2011, it has been leading the digital movement for niche streamers with its lavish, high-quality international programs, while the more recent UMC and AcaciaTV have quickly met the needs of subscribers looking for highly entertaining urban themed content and fun, user-friendly fitness workouts.

With tens of millions of Prime members, we see this as a great opportunity to increase the awareness and subscriber growth for all our channels. “Acorn TVFeaturing world-class television from Britain and beyond, Acorn TV adds new exclusive programs every week and features a deep library of international mysteries, dramas, documentaries, and comedies with no set end dates. With its 2015 Outstanding Television Movie nomination, Acorn TV became the first niche streamer to receive an Emmy® nomination.

This year, the service has featured more than a dozen exclusive U. S. Premieres, including the final season of Foyle’s War; BBC thriller The Driver starring David Morrissey (The Walking Dead); BAFTA Award-winning comedy Detectorists; and Martin Clunes in Doc Martin, Series 7.

In December, Acorn TV celebrates its biggest month yet with five U. S. Premieres being added throughout the month.

Acorn TV offers a free 30-day trial. Acorn TV’s Amazon pageUMC – Urban Movie ChannelCreated by Robert L. Johnson, Chairman of RLJ Entertainment and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), UMC features quality urban content showcasing feature films, documentaries, original series, stand-up comedy, and other exclusive content for African American and urban audiences.

New titles added weekly include live stand-up specials like Martin Lawrence Presents: 1st Amendment Stand Up and Comedy Underground Series, and performances featuring Academy Award® winner Jamie Foxx and comedic rock star Kevin Hart; dramas including Blackbird starring Academy Award® winning actress and comedian Mo’Nique, Isaiah Washington, and directed by Patrik-Ian Polk, and Playin’ For Love, starring and directed by Robert Townsend; documentaries including Bill Duke’s Dark Girls and I Ain’t Scared of You: A Tribute to Bernie Mac; action/thrillers including The Colony starring Laurence Fishburne; and stage play productions including What My Husband Doesn’t Know by David E. Talbert. UMC’s Amazon page.

AcaciaTVA leading streaming fitness service, AcaciaTV features more than 450 exclusive workouts in a diverse range of disciplines. AcaciaTV aims to be the most fun and user friendly fitness streamer with workouts for all fitness levels that range from under ten minutes to over an hour. The channel features yoga superstar Shiva Rea, the best-selling Exhale: Core Fusion DVD series, workouts from SparkPeople, and reality star Bethenny Frankel, as well as new themed 20-minute workouts from trainers Kristin McGee, Amanda Young, Deazie Gibson, Gerren Liles and Liz LeFrois.

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