A Greenville tattoo shop says people are showing up for appointments with artists who do not exist after sending $100 deposits to scammers online.
Reckless Hearts tattoo artist Paul Hall told WYFF 4 that the scam has been bringing one or two victims into the shop each week.
The victims believe they have booked a tattoo through social media. The scammer uses Reckless Hearts’ address, collects the deposit, and sends the person to the real Greenville shop.
Then staff have to tell them the appointment was never real.
Victims Are Walking In For Appointments That Do Not Exist
Hall said victims come in expecting to meet a tattoo artist they paid online. “That person doesn’t work here,” Hall told WYFF. “I’m sorry to tell you this, but I believe you got scammed.”
WYFF reported that the fake artist’s name changes each time, but the setup stays the same. The scammer uses social media, asks for a $100 deposit, and points people to Reckless Hearts’ address.
Hall said he has posted warnings in Facebook community groups. As of this week, he said 15 people had fallen victim.
The Real Shop Takes Deposits At The Counter
Reckless Hearts does take deposits, but not through the fake social media process used by the scammer. Hall told WYFF that the shop requires customers to come in and pay a $100 cash deposit at the front counter.
A deposit request may sound normal for tattoo work, but Reckless Hearts says its real process happens in person at the shop. Hall said the victims are often upset by the time they walk in.
“I’m just sitting here feeling bad because I wanna tell them, ‘Hey, I can help you,’ but they’re at a point where they don’t wanna talk about a new tattoo,” he told WYFF. “They want their money back.”
The Shop Says To Save Everything And Contact Police
Hall told customers to document the transaction if they believe they were scammed. “Make sure you have everything documented, any transactions,” he told WYFF. “Screenshot as much as you can.” He also said victims should share the information with police.
WYFF reported that it contacted Greenville Police to ask whether reports had been filed and was waiting to hear back.
Before sending a tattoo deposit through social media, call the shop or contact its official page and confirm that the artist, appointment, and payment method are real.