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.
Photo of LIVING trees by Kevin RossI LOVE watching The First 48 and Forensic Files, there is something very relaxing about both shows while I work. Those close to me give me the side eye when I tell them that but if they don’t know I’m cut from a different cloth by now I have to give THEM the side eye.I’ve noticed on EVERY episode of The First 48 it’s always the same scenario “Niene Won Won, Whit’s Yo Emergency?” on the other end there is almost always a black person who hasn’t been to church in 20 years but rediscovers religion by responding “Laaaaaaawd, Laaaaawd, Laaaaaaaaad, Whew JESIS Lawd, somebody dead in my backyard!, come now PLEA come NA! Then the operator will ask an extremely intellectual question like “Are they breathin?” The caller then pauses, they probably edit the part where they say ‘Wit da Fuk did I jus tell you?’ but it’s more like “Yes he deayad Laaaaaaawd, help me JESIS!” The operator finally responsds “We’re sending somebody right now.” Then the voiceover guy comes on and says, “When police arrive, they find 25-year-old Istoday Tueday aka ‘Corna Sto’ ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. DEAD!While the responses are interesting the fact that somebody is dead is certainly tragic. The guy on the new TV One show about homicides, Atlanta PD, David Quinn and I used to work together in room service when we were very young at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in the mid 80s. I’m sure he has some amazing stories to tell since he became and recently retired as an Atlanta homicide detective, so for readers fascinated with death, I’m working on interviewing him. While stories about death are intriguing for whatever reason so are stories about LIFE and so this story is about BALANCE and I will tell you why.David Quinn and Vince Velazquez of ATLANTA PDDeath is, ironically a WAKEUP call for many of us, especially as we get older and see more of it but why do we have a fascination with death and a complacency for life? After all, when you die people cry, remember you and post memories on FaceBook then a week later it’s back to hating on Trump and posting videos of racist police encounters that we never do anything about except complain. (no wonder FB stock is plummeting it’s SO draining, negative and depressing as of late). At any rate, people go through all of that just to FORGET you ever existed a week later. So I beg why not accomplish a dual goal and be alive and LIVING WHILE you are alive? I have been guilty of this too. Settling for shit that I KNOW has no value. Having a hard time saying no when I should and struggling to get the weight off and working out like a maniac then eating a cake instead of an energy drink to relax afterward (They should make German Chocolate protein shakes)Over the years we have gotten SO many industry death notices that it has become its own category on the site. if you look at the top of the site, there is a link for those who enjoy sipping on a Latte while reading all the tragic, sad, morose and depressing obits dating back to 2011.Death and people getting fired are the number one most read posts on this site since our inception in 1998 online. When I type “Vet Dies” in the headline of the email blasts I already know it will get massive clicks and be the most read that day. I just have one question … are babies still BORN? Do children, grandkids, nieces, and nephews still graduate from high school and college? Do you know of a neighborhood dog that had a puppy or two? Have you brought down your cholesterol and A1C this month? You know, we can report that too! We really don’t have a problem reporting GOOD news. Feel free to forward.
