OK, now this is just plain scary. A man is impersonating a state board inspector to try to get money from Houston-area salons. Read the notice from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and make sure to tell every Texas salon owner you know.

TDLR is alerting Texas cosmetology licensees to another scam targeting cosmetologists. TDLR has received reports of a man posing as a TDLR inspector to take money from cosmetologists in the Houston area.

According to these reports, the suspect falsely identifies himself as a TDLR inspector, steals items from salons and demands money for supposed license violations. He may even provide a receipt for the fake fines he collects.

The suspect is described as a short, clean-cut, heavy-set Hispanic male, approximately 40 years old. He wore a suit in previous incidents.

TDLR is aggressively pursuing this individual.

“TDLR will not allow unscrupulous people to take advantage of cosmetologists in Texas,” says William Kuntz, executive director of TDLR. “This scam artist is impersonating a public official to steal from law abiding citizens. Once he is apprehended, we will seek punishment to the fullest extent of the law.”

A real TDLR inspector will never request or accept money under any circumstance while visiting a salon.

Real TDLR inspectors visiting a salon cannot and will not: accept payment of license fees, request money for violations, or charge for copies of an inspection.

Real TDLR inspectors will: introduce themselves, show their State of Texas employee ID card, provide their contact information upon request, provide their TDLR business card upon request, and provide a Proof of Inspection report before leaving.

If you believe this individual has visited your salon or you have any concerns, please contact TDLR customer service at (800) 803-9202 or CS.Cosmetologists@license.state.tx.us. Please contact the police immediately if you encounter this individual.

—Sree