A barber shop owner in Inverurie confronts the fallout from a malicious online hoax.
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A recent incident involving social media impersonation has left a local entrepreneur in Inverurie feeling frustrated and concerned about the future of his business. Ilim Tanyeli, the owner of FRESH Authentic Turkish Barbers, has become a victim of a malicious Facebook hoax that aimed to tarnish his reputation and drive away customers.
The rise of the fake account
Mr. Tanyeli, who opened his barbershop on West High Street in February, discovered that a fake Facebook account had been created using his business name and branding. While his official account boasts 260 followers, the impersonating account had only six.
On March 11, the fake account made a derogatory comment on a Fubar News post about fallen hay bales, stating, “Stupid farmer get off road.” This comment sparked outrage among followers, many of whom believed it was a genuine reflection of Mr. Tanyeli’s views.
Impact on the business
The fallout from the troll account was immediate and damaging. Numerous users responded negatively, suggesting that Mr. Tanyeli did not deserve their business. Comments ranged from critiques of his character to outright calls for boycotts. One user pointed out the irony of insulting farmers in a rural area, emphasizing that many of them would likely need haircuts. Mr. Tanyeli expressed his concern, stating, “I worried that people weren’t going to support my barber as customers.” He noted that the hostile comments could create a false image of him as a businessman.
Community support and response
In response to the trolling, Mr. Tanyeli reported the incident to Consumer Advice Scotland, which can escalate the matter to Trading Standards for further investigation. He highlighted the irony of the situation, explaining that a significant portion of his clientele consists of farmers. “Half of my customers at my kebab shop are farmers,” he said, adding that many of the tractors he services at his car wash belong to local agricultural workers. This contradiction raises questions about the motivations behind the trolling and the impact it could have on his business.
Conclusion
As social media continues to play a significant role in shaping public perception, the case of Ilim Tanyeli serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of online impersonation and trolling. The incident not only threatens the reputation of a local business but also highlights the need for vigilance in protecting one’s brand in the digital age. Mr. Tanyeli’s experience underscores the importance of community support and the necessity of addressing malicious actions that can harm small businesses.
