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.
Music Week Tech Summit 2018In advance of his keynote at the Music Week Tech Summit, Kobalt’s chief technology officer Rian Liebenberg opened up to discuss what’s next for technology and the digital revolution:’We are still at the early stages of understanding how technology can be leveraged to simplify distribution at global scale. There are still under-served regions where new or existing fans can be reached more easily, and likewise for new artists to be discovered. There are some great innovations on the horizon that will increase access, usage and drive volume. VR and voice are two great examples.’Liebenberg was appointed to CTO of Kobalt in June of this year. Kobalt Music Group was founded in 2000 by CEO Willard Ahdritz. Its primary service is as an administrative publishing company that also offers label services, built around an online portal to allow artists to manage their rights and royalties directly.Liebenberg discussed the technological innovations Kobalt brings to the industry:’Kobalt is unique… It’s the only company that’s built the technology infrastructure to track the billions of microtransactions and fix all the royalty payment inefficiencies in the music industry. Our approach has empowered creators, and we’ll continue to invest in technology and products to help artists and songwriters thrive in the digital age.’The Music Week Tech Summit takes place at The O2 on Wednesday, September 26th.
