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.
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 16: Tragil Wade, Tamron Hall, Karli Harvey, and Dwyane Wade attend The 2015 Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala on May 16, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Steve Harvey Foundation) *** Local Caption *** Tragil Wade; Tamron Hall; Karli Harvey; Dwyane WadeSteve Harvey has reached a level where we can no longer just refer to him as a talk show host, radio host, or comedian. He is now a renaissance man that has success and significance in quite a few areas.On a beautiful Saturday night in Chicago, where he and his wife were supposed to be in attendance for their fifth annual gala for the Steve & Majorie Harvey Foundation, they were unfortunately forced to change their plans. According to spokesperson for the gala, the couples’ daughter Lori was involved in a horse-riding accident that same day in Lexington, Kentucky.Steve took to his twitter to address their absence.“Due to a family emergency My wife & I are unable to attend tonight’s #SMHFGala! We love & appreciate you all. God Bless.”The spokesperson for the gala also gave some very good news by announcing Lori is expected to make a full recovery.The benefit honored Holly Robinson Peete and Chicago native, Dwyane Wade while raising $1 million for the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, which provides assistance to fatherless children and young adults.For all the good work Steve Harvey and his family does in the community, TheIndustry.biz would like to wish them well and we hope for Lori’s speedy recovery. CHICAGO, IL – MAY 16: Tamron Hall, Alex B. Cummings, and Karli Harvey attend the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala on May 16, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation) *** Local Caption *** Tamron Hall; Alex B. Cummings; Karli HarveyCHICAGO, IL – MAY 16: Holly Robinson Peete and Tamron Hall attend the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala on May 16, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation) *** Local Caption *** Holly Robinson Pete; Tamron Hall
