Three women from New York are currently facing distress after losing over $3,000 each to a makeup course that unexpectedly disappeared, along with its promoter. The individuals, Marley Matamoros, Ashley Landin, and Michelle Echeverry, had enrolled in a controversial course run by Melanny Restrepo Herrera, a Miami-based TikTok influencer who claimed to be an accomplished permanent makeup artist.
Course Cancellation and Financial Loss
The course, which was canceled abruptly, left the participants seeking clarification and refunds. After initially committing to refunds and rescheduling, Restrepo Herrera ceased communication and subsequently blocked the women on social media platforms.
Landin expressed her disappointment, noting, “I’ve seen her posts and I was really intrigued. She markets herself as a millionaire who helps people achieve financial freedom.” Following reports by CBS News New York, Restrepo Herrera contacted the women, proposing refunds contingent on signing unspecified “corresponding documents.”
Profile of Melanny Restrepo Herrera
Melanny, as she is known on social media, portrays a narrative of overcoming adversity. Her accounts, now removed from platforms like Instagram and TikTok, showcased a luxurious lifestyle and promoted her business, The Luxury Ink. She claimed to have transitioned from homelessness to earning substantial monthly income, asserting that she could help her students reach financial heights of $1 million annually.
Initially priced at $6,000, the course attracted interest through discounts and payment plans. According to Landin, seeing others succeed through the program elevated her trust in its legitimacy. However, the day before the course, Restrepo Herrera claimed to require emergency surgery, offering alternatives of either a refund or a rescheduled course in Miami.
Lack of Licensure and Accountability
Despite having placed hopes in her promises, participants’ attempts to obtain refunds were met with silence. By May 11, media coverage had revealed that Restrepo Herrera was still advertising another course scheduled for Dallas in June. Investigations by CBS affiliates in New York and Miami brought to light that she lacked the necessary licenses and permits to conduct such courses.
In Echeverry’s words, “I hope she gets what’s coming for her,” reflecting the overall sentiment of frustration and betrayal among the affected women.
Strategies to Avoid Scams in Education
This situation brings to light the potential vulnerabilities individuals face when seeking educational advancement. To protect oneself from fraudulent educational schemes, consider the following:
- Research the full name and credentials of the institution or influencer offering the course.
- Verify the required licenses and permits if they propose teaching a specific skill.
- Be cautious of ambiguous refund policies and lack of detailed course information.
- Seek out reviews and testimonials from former students, ensuring these come from sources outside the promoter’s influence.
- Utilize credit cards for transactions, as they often offer dispute protection if issues arise.
If any concerns arise, prompt action is crucial—whether it involves requesting a refund or disputing a charge with your bank. Always remember: if an offer seems too good to be true, it often is.
