Introduction

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovRNa1msWYU

Monday, May 12, 2025

What’s Killing American Business? Customer Service Depts

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The Ultimate Dilemma

If a judge gave me an option to a prison sentence: 30 days of hard prison time in a bacteria-infested, smelly 4×4 cell or 30 days of dealing with American customer service reps over the phone, I would seriously consider asking if I could at least have 3 meals a day in the cell and move in. Dealing with customer service has become my absolute greatest pet peeve in the world.

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A Recent Ordeal with F-UPS

My frustration reached new heights yesterday, courtesy of UPS, which I have aptly renamed F-UPS for its consistent ability to mess things up. I was expecting an important package from NY, but the sender forgot to include my unit number. It was supposed to arrive last Friday, but without the unit number, F-UPS declined to deliver and rescheduled for Monday. Despite confirming the unit number with them, the ordeal was nothing short of a nightmare.

The Waiting Game

After the entire weekend of waiting, the package that was supposed to be delivered by noon on Monday never showed up. Calling F-UPS only added to my frustration, as they claimed the driver had attempted delivery at 9:45 but couldn’t find the unit number on the package – despite our previous confirmation. Their solution? Another attempt on Tuesday. Unacceptable to me, I demanded my package that day, which led to a series of heated exchanges and empty promises from their side.

A Frustrating Resolution

As the day dragged on, my patience wore thin. The sight of the UPS truck passing my unit without stopping was infuriating. It wasn’t until later in the evening, after performing an impromptu gymnastics routine out of er frustration, that I received a call claiming the package had been delivered to the wrong unit. The saga ended with me retrieving my package from the main office after hours, stressed and exhausted.

Reflections on Customer Service

This experience has only solidified my disdain for dealing with customer service. The inefficiency and lack of accountability are astonishing. I’ve realized that, despite language barriers, I often receive better service from overseas representatives. The idea that companies might compensate for their mistakes, as seen in a recent case where AT&T paid a customer for wasted time, gives me hope. Perhaps it’s time for legislation to hold these companies accountable for their customer service failures.

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