A Nashville stylist has been affected by a scam targeting clients seeking hair braiding services. Porsha Hensley, a seasoned stylist with a decade of experience, shared her story with News 2. She described how scammers are using photos of real stylists’ work to deceive customers. These scammers create fake social media profiles, falsely claiming they can replicate the styles and even operate out of legitimate local salons. They collect deposits from unsuspecting clients who only discover the deception when it’s too late.
Hensley, who operates Divine Innovations 615 in Nashville, expressed her frustration after a client fell victim to one of these scams. She recounted how the client arrived at her salon expecting an appointment that had been booked and paid for elsewhere. This incident has not only impacted her financially but has also undermined her reputation.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Middle Tennessee has received several reports of such fraudulent activities. According to BBB officials, these scammers often operate from overseas and take advantage of social media to exploit seasonal trends, such as the popularity of braided hairstyles during the summer.
Robyn Householder from BBB emphasized the importance of precautionary measures. She advised potential clients to avoid paying for services upfront, verify the legitimacy of stylists and their work, and visit the advertised salon before making any payments.
Despite the setback caused by the scam, Porsha Hensley remains resolute in her passion for hairstyling. She expressed determination to continue serving her clients with creativity and dedication.
If you’ve been affected by a braiding scam or any other fraudulent activity, you can report it to the BBB using their official channels.
