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.
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 11: Oscar Joyner, Media Executive Co-Chair and Larry R. Handfield, Attorney & Anniversary Chair attend Gospel AM 1490 WMBM and Visionary Bishop Victor T. Curry Kick Off Announcement of 25th Anniversary Celebration at New Birth Baptist Church on November 11, 2019 in Miami, Florida. ( Photo by Johnny Louis / jlnphotography.com )During a festive and inspirational service on Sunday, November 17th Gospel AM 1490 WMBM unveiled its 2020 Vision to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its station, announcing the company’s new name – WMBM Media Group, Inc. – and launching a new nonprofit – WMBM Cares, Inc.Miami attorney Larry Handfield, Esq. was named the 25th Anniversary Chair and veteran media executive Oscar Joyner, co-chair. Handfield and Joyner outlined the exciting new direction as part of the overall campaign to rebrand the radio station, a stalwart of the community. The official 25th anniversary will be celebrated on March 8, 2020, and will continue to embrace change throughout 2020.The new direction will feature the renaming of New Birth Broadcasting Company, led by visionary Bishop Victor T. Curry, the station’s president and general manager, to WMBM Media Group, Inc., to expand its broadcasting and communication services. WMBM Cares, Inc., will offer a wide range of programs and services to the South Florida community.“I’m so blessed to have spent more than two and half decades serving the community through my church and this radio station,” Curry said. “This 25th anniversary celebration is going to be very special and I’m excited about the events we’re planning over the next year. This is truly going to be a year of ‘new birth’.”Sunday’s service at the New Birth Baptist Church featured an inspirational message by Elder Kenneth A. Duke, WMBM Media Group’s interim board chair. WMBM Media Group’s board vice chair, Rev. Dr. Nelson Adams and its secretary, Lorraine Jones attended along with board members of the newly formed nonprofit -. WMBM Cares, Teretha Lundy Thomas and Olivia Henry, which will be led under the direction of Rev. Dr. Alphonso Jackson Sr., chairman, and Julie Curry-Reid, executive director. Among the other guests attending the celebration were: Fedrick “Fed” Ingram, President, Florida Education Association (FEA), the Honorable Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, Miami-Dade School Board Member, District 2 and a WMBM 25th Anniversary Honorary Co-chair, the Honorable Jean Monestime, Commissioner, District 2, Miami-Dade County Commission and a WMBM 25th Anniversary Honorary Co-chair, the Honorable Mayor and First Lady Philippe Bien-Aime, City of North Miami, the Honorable Matthew A. Pigatt, Mayor, City of Opa-locka, Karla Matts, President United Teachers of Dade (UTD), Antonio “Tony” White, First Vice President(UTD), Mindy Grimes-Festge, Secretary/Treasurer (UTD), Emily Diane Gunter, development director, Urgent, Inc., Cory Witherspoon, Vice President for the University Advancement, Florida Memorial University, Sheila Powell Cohen, Director of Major Gifts and Faith-Based Relations, Florida Memorial University, Rachel Tourgeman, Community Relations Director, Florida National University, Magareth “Maggie” Ambroise, Senior Manager, Florida Blue, Readus Smith, Elite Health Medical Center and Eric S. George, Owner Eric S. George Funeral Home.For more information on how to become a WMBM Cares, Inc. sponsor, community partner or volunteer for community events and give back through missions and outreach, please contact Ms. Julie Curry Reid, executive director, WMBM Cares Inc., 305-769-1100 or julie@wmbmcares.org
