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.
This past weekend the city of Atlanta and music fans from far & wide came out to Piedmont Park for the legendary Music Midtown festival.
Superstar talent performed across four massive stages including Saturday headliners Cardi B and Panic! At The Disco and Sunday headliners Billie Eilish, Travis Scott, and Vampire Weekend.Celebrating its 25th year, the fest was packed with even more outstanding talent throughout the weekend including LIZZO, BANKS, Charlie Puth, MØ, Local Natives, JADEN SMITH, Cold War Kids, 6LACK, Lil Yachty, Quinn XCII, and many more. The full schedule can be found here: www.musicmidtown.com/schedule.On Saturday Cardi B owned the stage in a pink glittering catsuit to perform songs including “I Like It” and “Press.” Panic! At The Disco gave an equally animated performance with hits old and new like “Hey Look Ma I Made It” and “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”On Sunday night Billie Eilish had her fans out in full force as sang smas like “bad guy,” “My Strange Addiction,” and “you should see me in a crown.” Attendees crooned along to Vampire Weekend hits “2021,” and “Unbelievers.” Travis Scott performed “Sicko Modo,” Stargazing,” and “No Bystanders” and more to a full house. ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Kevin Garrett performs on day 1 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 14, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Joseph Braley of Reignwolf performs on day 1 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 14, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Lizzo performs on day 1 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 14, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Cardi B performs on day 1 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 14, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Cardi Bperforms on day 1 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 14, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco performs on day 1 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 14, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Charlie Puth performs on day 1 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 14, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Chelsea Lee of SHAED perform on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Dominic Fike performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Jaden Smith performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Billie Eilish performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Billie Eilish performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Brian Robert Jones of Vampire Weekend performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Rapper Travis Scott performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: General view on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: General view on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Nicholas Petricca of Walk the Moon performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Rappers of the band 99 Neighbors perform on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Rappers of the band 99 Neighbors perform on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Chelsea Lee of SHAED perform on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Dominic Fike performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Billie Eilish performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Brian Robert Jones of Vampire Weekend performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Rapper Travis Scott performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Nicholas Petricca of Walk the Moon performs on day 2 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 14: General view of day 1 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 14, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 14: General view of day 1 of Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 14, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation)