UPDATE: Residents of Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, are alarmed as they believe they are victims of a disturbing TikTok scam targeting young women. Since September, at least 20 young women have mistakenly approached homes in the neighborhood, seeking hair appointments they arranged through a suspicious TikTok account named “Nariah the Hairstylist.”
Jearold Hersey, a concerned resident, stated, “Mostly concerned for safety. My family is here. This is freaking my son out.” Hersey has witnessed firsthand the unsettling reality of this scheme, as young women have knocked on his door after contacting the account. They were instructed to send a deposit via Cash App before being provided with an address, which turned out to be his home.
“It’s kind of nerve-racking because you don’t really know who is coming to the door,” Hersey added, highlighting the fear and uncertainty that residents feel. He described the situation as “preying on young women,” underscoring the emotional toll it takes on both victims and their families.
In an effort to warn others, neighbors have posted notices on their doors declaring that their addresses “have been used for an online scam.” Hersey reported that the response has been mixed; some individuals see the warning and leave, while others aggressively knock on doors, causing anxiety for residents.
Action News attempted to reach out to the TikTok account’s listed number. A woman responded, stating she would send the location after receiving $25. However, when questioned about the alleged scam, she abruptly hung up, raising further concerns about the legitimacy of the operation.
Hersey is calling for action, saying, “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.” He has reported the TikTok page to the platform in hopes of stopping the ongoing scam.
Philadelphia police are advising anyone who has been victimized to file a police report. Authorities are working to address the growing fear among residents, as this disturbing scheme continues to unfold. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
As this story develops, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present in online transactions and the importance of verifying information before engaging with unknown individuals. The situation in Northern Liberties is a wake-up call for communities everywhere to stay alert and protect themselves from potential scams.
