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.
Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali in “Green Book.”Patti Perret / Universal StudiosLast Night’s 76th Golden Globe Awards ceremony was marked by memorable speeches, victories by well-loved contenders, and some notable surprises among the night’s top categories.Green Book took home Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, a not entirely unexpected win from a film expected to contend strongly for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Simultaneously, the film fought off some well-loved fellow contenders, including the critical darling The Favourite and the satirical Vice.More surprising was the announcement of Bohemian Rhapsody as the winner for the Best Motion Picture – Drama category. The film itself had received mixed critical reviews (currently hitting a meager 62% on Rotten Tomatoes) despite being nearly universally praised for Rami Malek’s turn as Freddie Mercury. Nonetheless, it upset a range of strong competition, including Black Panther, BlackKklansman, If Beale Street CouldTalk, and A Star Is Born.The Golden Globes are always looked at carefully in advance of the Academy Awards, but while they often create momentum that may help a film in the eyes of Oscar voters they do not necessarily have an impact on the Best Picture winners. We’ll have to wait and see the impact these wins will ultimately have.
