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.
(Left to Right): Lawrence C. Hinkle II, Matthew J. Middleton, Khadijah Sharif-Drinkard, L.A. Reid, Leron E. Rogers, Lita T. Rosario, Emily M. Dickens, Brian K. Broughton, and Elke F. Suber at the 2016 BESLA Mid-Year conference(NEW YORK) – April 12, 2016 – Last week, the Black Entertainment & Sports Lawyers Association held their Mid-Year conference at Fordham Law School with an incredible line-up of Entertainment and Sports Executives, including DeMaurice Smith (Executive Director, NFLPA), Michele Roberts (Executive Director, NBPA) among others.Executives DeMaurice Smith (Executive Director, NFLPA), and Michele Roberts (Executive Director, NBPA) spoke frankly about “Running a Major Sports Union” in a discussion moderated by Kenneth Shropshire (Wharton Sports Business Initiative).Senior legal and business executives shared their insights on the “General Counsel’s Roundtable” panel that included Antonious Porch (General Counsel, Shazam), Endi Piper (SVP, Business and Legal Affairs,TV One), Keyes Hill-Edgar (EVP, Business Affairs, and General Counsel, Viacom Media Networks), and was moderated by Derek Jackson (Under Armour).The first panel discussion “Navigating A Career In Entertainment and Sports” included Lori Aiken (Chief Talent Officer, Sony Pictures), Kerry Chandler (Chief Human Resources Officer,Under Armour), Jim Jones (SVP, Education and Diversity Solutions, NAMIC), and was moderated by Endi Piper (TV One).
