An Illinois woman allegedly scammed girls and their parents out of thousands right before prom. Dozens arrived to pick up their dresses, only to find the woman was not there. Many have reached out to the police, who were on scene outside the store. This occurred in Chicago at a store located in Humboldt Park.
Many parents reported that the store owner stopped replying to their messages. When they arrived at the store, they discovered the dresses were never made. According to a CBS report, the dresses were supposed to be custom-made, and the girls had been attending fittings since January. The parents had already paid between $1500 and $2000. Many of them claim that despite the monthly alterations, they didn’t notice any progress made with the dresses. The parents feel the woman stole “a once-in-a-lifetime memory away from their kids.” One mother who did get a dress described it as having faulty sewing. It had “sequins that were hot-glued, the dress was not hemmed, and the ribbon holding the dress together was breaking.”
One Illinois onlooker captured the moment and posted it on TikTok, showing dozens waiting outside the store. The video also showed the cops on scene as well as the CBS reporters present to interview parents. The onlooker explained that the girls who were allegedly scammed are supposed to attend prom this Friday and next Friday, and now they have no dresses to wear. The woman allegedly gave them the same pick-up time, “and when [they] got here for their dresses, she’s nowhere to be found.” Now the girls either aren’t going to prom or they have to scramble to find a new dress.
Many Are Donating Dresses To The Illinois Girls
Many strangers have left comments in the TikTok video, offering to donate their former prom dresses. One commenter is offering a dress made last year, saying, “It is tall girl friendly and for anyone who needs it.” Another says, “Giving away my prom dress from 2019 for free.” A third commenter says, “I will HAPPILY give away mine!” Others are offering their daughter’s prom dresses that are no longer needed. The comments also include photos and sizes of the dresses.
One girl in the comments claims she was one of those who got scammed. However, she claims a stranger paid $2000 for her to get a new dress. Several are also thanking the women donating. One says, “To the ladies in the comments giving away their prom dresses for free, may you receive an abundance of all things great.” The grand gesture has touched many: “The comments of the girls that’s giving away their prom dress for free have me in tears.” Another describes them as literal angels, saying their gesture “is restoring my faith in humanity.”
Hopefully, the girls are still able to attend prom after such an outpouring of support and generosity.
