After a long day at school my only goal is to get home so I can relax on my couch, watch tv and cuddle up with my preferred snack of the day. However, yesterday was a bit different. As I was leaving school I walked down 6th street near Howard’s campus because I figured it would be a faster way to the train. While walking I see a very nice, shiny, jet black Infinity G35 sitting on dubs. (That’s 22in rims for those who don’t know.) 
The car was parked near a bush of trees in what can be identified as a low-key area but I didn’t think anything of it simply because finding legal parking in DC is often times like finding a needle in a haystack… you will eventually, but its going to take some time & energy. Anyway, a young woman was sitting in the driver’s seat and appeared to be well put together; hair-weave, eyebrows, lip-gloss & fingernail polish was popping. She looked up at me causing us to make eye contact so I quickly looked elsewhere because to be quite honest it made me feel a little awkward & uncomfortable. Shortly after looking away the young woman yelled out “Hey” to get my attention; preceded was the following conversation:
Me: “Hey, what’s up?”
Y.W: “Your hair looks cute. Would you like to be in a hair-show that’s coming up?” She said warmly.
Me: “Sure, when is it?” I replied without hesitation.
Y.W: “What’s your number? I’ll text you all the information. My name’s Penna by the way.” She smiled and reached for a handshake.
Me: “Ashley.” I did the same.
We continued the small talk then exchanged phone numbers. I walked away jumping for joy on the inside because my last experience with a hair-show was so awesome I just knew this one would be too!
Later that night after completing some homework assignments I realized the girl never text me the hair-show info so I pretty much cleared it from my mind concluding that it was a done deal.
Which now brings me into today.
This morning I was waiting for my dreaded French class to begin when my phone rung and to my surprise it was Penna. The conversation went like this:
Me: “Hello.”
Penna: “Good morning, its Penna. I spoke to you yesterday about the hair-show, just wanna make sure you’re still interested.” I noticed she had a more serious tone in her voice than she had the previous day.
Me: “Yeah, of course.” I said assertively, imitating her tone.
Penna: “Ok. The show isn’t until January but I’m looking for people before hand. Also, in addition to the hair-show, would you be willing to make some extra money?”
Me: “Sure, but I don’t much about hair so what would I have to do?” I asked curiously.
Penna: “Well I work at Bank of Operation. Do you have an account there? If not I can open one up for you.” She said with confidence. 
Me: “I already have one. Why? Are y’all offering direct sells or something?”
Penna: “All you have to do is take out all your large money and leave the change. I’ll add some zeros to the change and you withdraw the money so we can split it. Is that something you’d be interested in?”
Me: “No thanks. I’m in class, gotta go.”
I hung up the phone and instantly got an irrational paranoia that the feds had my phone tapped and that was some form of a set up… Realistically I’m nowhere near that important but I watch a lot of movies so my mind overthinks certain scenarios.
Now I realize this would make for a much better story if I told you that I jumped on this bandwagon and rode it all the way into a luxury life filled with nice cars, clothing and expensive meals from 5 star restaurants, but unfortunately I’m not here to entertain you in such a way. I’m here to forewarn you to never find yourself caught up in fraud, scams or get rich quick schemes because that pseudo-good life will quickly turn into prison and shower time with Big Sam from cell block 8 who’s already had everybody else and now needs fresh meat a.k.a YOU!
Although there’s not too many things I’m afraid of, there’s no way I’d ever participate in something illegal like this, reasons being: 1. I’m in my last year of college therefore I’m not trying to be sitting in jail while my prospective graduation is going on. 2. I’m not willing to lose my banking privileges with B.O.O over greed or temporary financial woos. 3. I’d have to pay restitution and pay back every cent that I withdrew. No Thanks.
Needless to say, I’m not bout that life and clearly I’m not going to be a part of any hair-show at this point if there ever really was one to begin with.
Tell me what you think or if you’ve ever been approached in regard to scams, hoodwinks, and frauds. I’d like to hear from you!
Join me next week for another story of Adventures of Ashley.
Please note all names and companies have been changed to protect the identity of individuals and entities.