LYNCHBURG (WSLS10) - A tip from a cosmetology student leads investigators to a Lynchburg salon. According to the Lynchburg Police Department, New Beginnings Salon by Wadishia was taking money from students in exchange for an apprenticeship. The only problem is, the owner doesn't have a license to operate a cosmetology school.
Lynchburg police are calling it a scam and are warning others after one student spent more than $2,000 towards a cosmetology license that holds no true value. ‘
Recommended Videos
"This business in fact, did not have a license at all," said Detective Rob Miller, with the Lynchburg Police Department. "She is a licensed instructor, she has a licensed salon, but she does not have a licensed school."
Detective Miller told us the owner of New Beginnings by Wadisha, Wadishia Wilson, was representing the salon as a school on Facebook and through paperwork. After two students invested hundreds of hours toward their studies they learned the school wasn't certified and they earned zero credit. That's when they called police.
"If she was to leave there with her certificate and try to get a job in another cosmetology or beautician center somewhere within the city of Lynchburg or elsewhere, they would have told her that it's no good," commented Miller.
Wilson was charged on one count of obtaining money by false pretenses. We reached out to Wilson who didn't want to comment on camera, but said the girls signed an agreement knowing what it entailed.
Wilson admitted to not having a license to operate a school. Miller said she was made aware this license was needed prior to educating others.
Now, Miller is concerned others may have fallen victim without knowing.
"In interviewing the owner, she states that she's out there trying to help these girls so, they can be an asset to the community," Miller added. "Wilson said she's obtaining funds from different churches in the local area in Lynchburg."
Miller said these churches are assisting a program that's a fraud. He wants others to be cautious.