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.
cr: varietyWarner/Chappell Publishing’s Katie Vinten and songwriter Justin Tranter are partnering with Warner Bros. Records to launch a new label. Vinten, who had served the company as co-head of A&R, will also serve as A&R Consultant to Warner Bros. Records and will continue working with a carefully chosen roster of songwriters.Tranter is the former lead singer of the glam-punk band Semi Precious Weapons and has been extremely successful as a songwriter, having penned songs like Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’, Selena Gomez’ ‘Bad Liar’, and Fall Out Boy’s ‘Centuries’.Warner Bros. Records Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck said of the pair:“Justin is a true visionary and one of the greatest songwriters in the game, with a remarkable ability to bring the best out of people. Justin is a fierce champion for artists and their songwriting peers, takes risks, dares to be different, and fights daily for the causes they believe in, both within and outside the scope of the music business. Katie is a brilliant A&R person who has been the guiding force behind an incredible roster of chart-topping songwriters, Justin among them. To be able to partner with both of them in their mission to identify and develop the next generation of superstars is an honor and a privilege for all of us at Warner Bros. Records.”
