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.
THE VOICE — “Blind Auditions” — Pictured: Christina Aguilera — (Photo by: Greg Gayne/NBC)MasterClass announces Grammy Award winning recording artist CHRISTINA AGUILERA as their newest instructor. The legendary singer, songwriter and actress signed with the online education company and will teach a course focused on singing. Co-founded by David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen, MasterClass currently offers classes from Dustin Hoffman (acting), Serena Williams (tennis) and James Patterson (writing). Upcoming classes include Ur (performance), Annie Leibovitz (photography) and more to follow.MasterClass, a San Francisco-based company which launched May 12, 2015, is an online education platform making it possible for everyone to learn directly from the world’s best. Each master teaches a course which is available online for purchase at www.masterclass.com for $90 each and includes video lessons, interactive exercises, learning materials, and workbooks.A pop icon, Aguilera has had an establid career earning her countless awards, including 6 Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and was ranked 58 on Rolling Stone’s list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. In 2011 Aguilera became an original coach on popular television series The Voice, and has since appeared on four of its seven seasons.”I’m excited MasterClass has given me the opportunity to truly share all I have learned about my craft with the world. Coaching in this capacity not only gives me a chance to connect with my fans but lets me explore one of my true passions,” said CHRISTINA AGUILERA.”Christina has one of the greatest voices of our generation. Not only that, but truly wanted to teach! We’re lucky to have her on board and can’t wait to see what has in store for students,” said Co-Founder and CEO David Rogier.Co-Founder and Creative Director, CTO Aaron Rasmussen added, “Christina’s nuanced understanding of singing paired with her incredible natural talent will make for an exceptional and fun MasterClass with tips, tricks, exercises, and some of the surprising mental techniques behind having one of the most impressive vocal ranges in music today.”Production of Aguilera’s class will begin in September in Los Angeles and be released in the fall.Each MasterClass is priced at $90 and includes:10-25 video lessons from the instructor (approx. 2-5 hours of video)Interactive exercises: for exle, in Dustin Hoffman’s MasterClass students can be matched with other students to practice scenes from the class, and then upload videos for feedback from other students (and sometimes even Dustin himself!)Learning materials: workbooks and class materials like excerpts from James Patterson’s first draftsLifetime access, with classes that never expireLearning materials and workbooksAccessible from any device (access Serena’s class on your smartphone right on the court).
