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.
<> at the The Apollo Theater on November 29, 2014 in New York City.ASCAP will host its 28th annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on Thursday, June 25th, 2015 at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. The invitation-only event will pay special tribute to Ms. Lauryn Hill who will also perform during the evening. Additionally, ASCAP will honor the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2014 R&B, hip-hop, rap and gospel charts.During the ceremony, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, rapper and producer Ms. Hill will be presented with the ASCAP Golden Note Award. The award is among the most prestigious honors that ASCAP gives to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Past recipients include: Pharrell Williams, Dr. Dre, Alicia Keys, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jeff Lynne, Reba McIntire, LL Cool J, Jermaine Dupri, Jay-Z, Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Quincy Jones, Elton John, Tom Petty and many more.“Ms. Hill’s talent as a songwriter is undeniable and reflects her singular take on the world we live in,” said ASCAP President Paul Williams. “Her ability to push boundaries and capture the humanity that surrounds us has created a musical legacy that belongs with the greats.”Ms. Lauryn Hill is an American singer–songwriter, rapper, producer, and actress. She is best known for being a member of the Fugees and for her solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. That record made her the first woman/hip-hop artist to win five Grammy Awards for “Album of the Year,” “Best New Artist,” “Best Female R&B Performance,” “Best R&B Song” (“Doo Wop (That Thing)”) and “Best R&B Album.” In total, Ms. Hill has received eight Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, two Billboard Awards and is equally recognized for her philanthropic effort “The Refugee Project,” an organization that served underprivileged urban youth.“Ms. Hill inspired a generation with her work and her ideals,” said Nicole George-Middleton, ascap VP Rhythm & Soul. “We are so proud of her extraordinary contributions to the songwriting community and excited about this opportunity to honor her with the ascap Golden Note Award.”During the ceremony, other top awards will also be given for the Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song, Top Rap Song and Top Gospel Song. The evening will feature performances by several award-winning songwriters/performers, and will be attended by some of the top names in the music and entertainment industry.
