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.
(L-R) Jarobi White, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Q-Tip, and Phife Dawg (PRNewsFoto/Legacy Recordings)Here we go yo, here we go yo, so what’s the scenario you may be asking. The scenario is this case is that the legendary group A Tribe Called Quest along with Sony Legacy have announced a special 25th anniversary edition collection of the group’s classic debut album People’s Instinctive Travels And The Paths of Rhythm will be released on November 13th. Of course the song, “Scenario” that I referenced earlier wasn’t on this album in celebration of the 25th anniversary, the album will be remastered from the original tapes by Grammy-Award winning engineer Bob Power, and re-released with exclusive new remixes by a few of today’s biggest hip-hop artists who have credited A Tribe Called Quest as a major creative influence. Remixes will be announced in the coming weeks. This album will mark the debut release in a series of re-releases by A Tribe Called Quest over the course of the next few years. Pre-order the album here: https://smarturl.it/ATCQ_PIT25_AMZN”I had this album in my head for years before I did it. Looking at it overall, to see the thoughts of a 16 year old gain any kind of acknowledgement makes me feel like I have arrived … But to see it in this incarnation … I’m humbled” – Q-Tip”This album means a lot. It was the beginning of our careers; the beginning of our imprint; the beginning of seeing life the way we saw it, and being able to put it down in words and music.” – Ali Shaheed Muhammadhttps://youtu.be/LkOKh7nZGCg
