Local stylists and clients warn residents of potential hair scam in Salisbury area

Hair Scam

Salisbury, Md. – Nowadays, many salons and barbershop owners say asking for a deposit when scheduling an appointment, gives businesses a way to protect their time and revenue. But what if that deposit is used against you as a stylist? Even worse, you pay to book an appointment, that doesn’t exist. In Salisbury, clients are being scammed out of their deposits, and at the same time, stylists are either getting paid, or potentially being played. This story is cutting the community deep.

Salon Scam

Duped by the deposit, that’s what salon owner Cheryll Wallace of Divine Inspiration Hair Studios says almost happened to her just a few days ago when a girl claimed she paid a deposit at Cheryll’s salon. “She was looking for someone named Natalie, and I informed her there was no Natalie that worked here… She felt like she got scammed because she paid a deposit. They gave my name and my address as where they worked… She was so quick to hurry up and get out the door, that’s what made me skeptical.”

Often times, women will say they have been scammed to get a free hair-do according to Cheryll. When she started asking questions, the woman hurried off and wouldn’t give her name, and that’s when she says she saw the red flags. “I went from thinking I was dealing with someone that had been scammed, to someone who may have just actually been the scammer. You know, we just need to be aware of these people. It’s ok to be able to give a service for someone that’s in need, but not because they’re trying to manipulate you.”

Client Scam

Cheryll posted her frustration online, which caused many to speak out about women coming into their salons with the same story, only they took the bait. Other women like Kyra Chaney say they’ve been on the other side of the scam. “I showed her the messages, I showed her the booking website she made me book on… She said this is the shop, she said, ‘but I have never seen that girl a day in my life…’ She ended up getting 60 bucks out of me.” Kyra says when she tried to find the scammer again, she was blocked, so she had nothing to go on, so she chose not to contact law enforcement. Unfortunately, she says often in the Black community, people are hesitant to speak to the police in general and are ashamed to admit they have been taken advantage of.

Shake off the Shame

Sheriff Mike Lewis of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s office says although they haven’t had any reports of these types scams, the community shouldn’t be afraid to report them. He says there are a few things you can do to hopefully avoid this potential scam. “This particular crime, I’ve never heard of, but if we were notified about it, I would certainly know about it, and we could get something out on our social media immediately to warn people… While $45- $60 might not be a lot for some people, it is a lot for other people I can tell you that right now, and what hurts most is knowing you scammed by somebody. ”

He says to never provide personal information to anyone so they can further scam you, always take screenshots of information, and notify law enforcement. He says this is a crime, and they can be charged and arrest for a ‘continual scheme of conduct’, but overall, it’s up to you to be vigilant. “Investigate who you’re sending money to you have a duty and responsibility to do that. If that means making a phone call to that person, personally talking to them and then call the shop and ask are you gainfully involved with an individual who’s making appointments at your shop in the name of so and so- that way you can vet the information.”

Don’t Despise Deposits 

Kyra says this situation has scarred her and now deposits have left a bad taste in her mouth.  “It’s hurting people in business that’s doing hair. that needs a deposit. So, like, I don’t feel like I will ever pay a deposit again.” Although Cheryll says deposits are needed, they both agree this may hurt stylist in the area. “Don’t despise the deposit. The deposit is only there for your safety as well as our safety. To make sure that we stay booked, and to make that sure you have a spot. So, don’t despise it, just go ahead make sure you have the right people handling your business right.”