Urgent Alert: Northern Liberties Residents Targeted in TikTok Scam

UPDATE: Residents in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia are on high alert as reports emerge of a disturbing TikTok scam targeting young women. Since September 2023, at least 20 young women have mistakenly arrived at the homes of unsuspecting residents, believing they were scheduled for hair appointments through a TikTok account named “Nariah the Hairstylist.”

Jearold Hersey, a local resident, expressed his growing concern, stating, “Mostly concerned for safety. My family is here. This is freaking my son out.” The situation escalated when these women knocked on his door, claiming they had sent a deposit via Cash App to secure their appointments. Instead of a salon, they found themselves at Hersey’s home.

“It’s kind of nerve-racking because you don’t really know who is coming to the door,” he added. This alarming trend has left residents feeling unsafe, prompting them to post warnings on their doors to deter more victims. “This is just preying on young women, too,” Hersey lamented.

The TikTok account allegedly instructs victims to send a $25 deposit before revealing the appointment location. When contacted by Action News, the woman behind the account abruptly hung up when questioned about the allegations.

Hersey hopes to raise awareness about this scam, emphasizing, “I really want them to get caught in all honesty. This isn’t cool. It’s not fair to the people, not just the people who are getting ripped off for money; we feel unsafe as well.”

In response to the growing concern, Philadelphia Police are urging anyone affected to file a police report. As this situation develops, residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

This urgent call to action highlights the need for community awareness in the face of online scams and the potential dangers of social media platforms like TikTok. Stay tuned for updates as authorities work to address these troubling incidents.