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.
David Dollimore and Stacey Tang (Sony Music UK)As major players in the media industry seek to keep up with the global streaming audience, two of the U.K.’s leading imprints have had some important changes in management.At Sony, Neil Hughes has left RCA U.K. with Stacey Tang named as the new managing director. Tang’s last position, under Sony U.K.’s Columbia label, was as co-MD with Manish Arora. Tang and Arora helped greatly expand the label’s share of the domestic albums market, while Tang oversaw a successful campaign launch from Rag’n’Bone Man, alongside working on successful releases by Arcade Fire, A$AP Rocky, and Calvin Harris.RCA U.K. and Ministry of Sound Recordings president David Dollimore stated of her appointment that “Stacey is one of the most respected and creative executives in the business.”At Warner’s Atlantic Records U.K., Katie White has been appointed the new general manager. White previously worked as the managing director of Vice Media magazine brand i-D, and Atlantic hopes her media and advertising expertise will help their continued embrace of modern streaming trends.Ben Cook, Atlantic Records UK president, commented that “Katie’s appointment is a strategic move. As the world gets ever more fragmented, and media, brands, and content all vie for people’s attention, it’s imperative our artists are even more impactful – not only in creating and sharing fantastic music, but also in delivering original and captivating narratives.”Atlantic is hoping Katie’s history of transitioning i-D to the digital landscape and her successes in branding with Vice will help them accomplish just that.
