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.
Brett Johnson with dad Bob Johnson (1).jpg.The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree (in a perfect world that is) BET Founder Bob Johnson’s son is also running his own business in the form of fashion for men. Taking time to hone in on his side business, (Brett is also a producer who worked as an executive producer on Lee Daniel’s The Butler) the entrepreneur travels to Italy more than seven times a year to make sure that his line is top-notch. Unlike many other designers, Johnson is targeting men of ALL ages with various appealing clothes  for everyday wear. We wish him the best.Last Saturday, fashion designer/entrepreneur Brett Johnson showcased his Pre-Fall 2015 outerwear collection at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie in Washington, D.C. Throughout the day, various VIPs stopped in to view and purchase the Italian-made jackets, trench coats and bombers. Guests included Renee Brown (Chief of Basketball Operations and Player Relations, WNBA), menswear designer Everett Hall, attorney Mark Lefkowitz, WPGC/CBS Radio morning show producer Poet Taylor, Devon Pina (The Fashion Citizen), Donna Jones (DCW 50); Cheylin Parker (Everything Girls Love), Harley Morgan(ROE: The Agency), Sheila Johnson (Founder/CEO, Salamander Hotels & Resorts) and Bob Johnson (Founder/Chairman, RLJ Companies). The trunk show was a success, garnering double the sales of last year’s event. ATLANTA: Brett Johnson is hosting a trunk show at Neiman Marcus/Lenox Mall on Saturday, June 20 from 10am – 5pm. RSVP at [email protected] (invite below) For more information on the Brett Johnson Collection, visit https://brettjohnson.co/. Follow them at @BrettJohnsonCo. See more images of Brett’s line click “NEXT” above or below.BJC pre-fall 2015 outerwear (1)
