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.
CBS46 Host Sharon ReedThe recent win of Keisha Lance Bottoms as the new mayor of Atlanta is not sitting well with certain people in the city. Bottoms who is Black ran a close race with white opponent Mary Norwood. A recount is underway. As tensions run high during times like these a journalist/anchor on CBS46, Sharon Reed, was not spared when a racist woman sent a poorly typed email saying she hopes the host gets fired. In what the Atlanta journalist proclaims is “‎Just another day at the office. Not the first time I’ve been called that word. Here’s an email I got from Kathyrae1962 tonight. And here’s my response….” CBS46’s Sharon Reed makes sure the viewer knows it may be a good idea to learn to spell before you challenge someone. In this clip, the racist viewer attacks Sharon’s character as a… well racist (?) by calling her a “Niger” (one g). It’s not hard to imagine the woman probably just woke up in a cold trailer park and had yet to put in her teeth before heading off to the 10 grade for the 8th straight year.
