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.
Photo courtesy of CBS TVIn a matter of a couple of months, R. Kelly has literally lost everything and in the court of public opinion he doesn’t stand much of a chance of innocence but with his court date just a couple of weeks away where he is facing 70 years in prison for 10 counts of sexual assault involving four women, three of whom were underage, he dug even deeper and must have felt compelled to have an opportunity to express his side of the allegations.One would think it would have been to the chagrin of his current counsel who must have advised against it for the increased possibility of incrimination. He got visibly upset during the video clips stating “I’m fighting for my fu&$in’ life” while bursting into tears and saying it would have been stupid of him to imprison women with his past and celebrity. He states the women are lying.Out of the three most recent interviews where black women in the media got exclusives (Robin Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King) this will probably get the highest ratings and will air in two parts Wed and Thurs. Originally R. Kelly went to Iyanla Vanzant to appear on her show but stated declined.
