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.
Courtesy of Elektra Music Group.Elektra Music Group, a newly formed stand-alone music company under Warner Music Group, is set to launch on Oct. 1 and has announced two additions to its A&R Team, Will McDonald (above, left) and Shawn Cohen (above, right). McDonald and Cohen will report to Elektra Music Group Co-Presidents Mike Easterlin and Gregg Nadel.Will McDonald has joined as Elektra’s Vice President, spending the past decade with the Nashville independent-label Dualtone Music Group. At Dualtone, McDonald was instrumental in signing most of its roster including acts like the Lumineers and Shakey Graves. Shawn Cohen is joining as Senior Director, most recently working as an A&R consultant who signed the chart-topping The Revivalists.Elektra Music Group will include Elektra, Fueled By Ramen (RBR), Roadrunner, Low Country Sound, and Black Cement Records, all of which will be promoted as independent label brands. Its roster will include Twenty One Pilots, Fitz and the Tantrums, Paramore, Slipknot, Coheed and Cambria, Gojira, and others.
