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.
About Last Night: Lizzo performed last night (Thursday, January 30) an exclusive concert for SiriusXM and Pandora as part of their Super Bowl Opening Drive Super Concert Series.
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – JANUARY 30: (L-R) Sirius XM Radio, Inc. President, Sales, Marketing and Operations Jennifer Witz, SiriusXM SVP of Events, Talent, Promotions Ross Zapin, SiriusXM Chief Marketing Officer Denise Karkos, Sirius XM Radio, Inc. SVP/General Manager of Music Programming Steve Blatter, Lizzo, and SiriusXM Radio President and CCO Scott Greenstein attend an exclusive concert for the SiriusXM and Pandora Opening Drive Super Concert Series, airing live on SiriusXM’s The Heat channel, at the Fillmore Miami Beach during Super Bowl Week on January 30, 2020 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Pandora)
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – JANUARY 30: Lizzo performs an exclusive concert for the SiriusXM and Pandora Opening Drive Super Concert Series, airing live on SiriusXM’s The Heat channel, at the Fillmore Miami Beach during Super Bowl Week on January 30, 2020 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Pandora)
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – JANUARY 30: Virgin Voyages drum line perform during an exclusive concert for the SiriusXM and Pandora Opening Drive Super Concert Series, airing live on SiriusXM’s The Heat channel, at the Fillmore Miami Beach during Super Bowl Week on January 30, 2020 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Pandora)
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – JANUARY 30: An interior view is seen at an exclusive concert for the SiriusXM and Pandora Opening Drive Super Concert Series, airing live on SiriusXM’s The Heat channel, at the Fillmore Miami Beach during Super Bowl Week on January 30, 2020 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Pandora)
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – JANUARY 30: Lizzo performs an exclusive concert for the SiriusXM and Pandora Opening Drive Super Concert Series, airing live on SiriusXM’s The Heat channel, at the Fillmore Miami Beach during Super Bowl Week on January 30, 2020 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Pandora)
The free event for SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners happened at The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theater. The show was broadcast live on SiriusXM’s The Heat (channel 46) and highlights will be rebroadcast on Hits 1 (channel 2) and Pandora NOW (channel 3).
The show was the first live performance for Lizzo since she became a GRAMMY Award winner this past Sunday at the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards.
After dedicating “Good As Hell” to Kobe Bryant and his family, Harry Styles made a special appearance and joined her on stage for a duet on “Juice”.