Scam Alert: Fake Tattoo Artist Profile Targeting Lebanon Residents
LEBANON, Mo. A Lebanon tattoo shop is warning the community after local residents were allegedly targeted by someone impersonating a tattoo artist online and collecting fake deposits through payment apps.
The situation came to light after Twisted Canvas made a public Facebook post warning customers that the shop does not solicit deposits through random profiles and only has three artists working there. In the post, the shop stated the Lebanon Police Department had been contacted after someone allegedly began posing as an artist connected to the business.
According to screenshots shared with Lebanon Now, the fake profile operated under the name “Deborah M. Hague” and contacted potential customers through Facebook Messenger.
The conversations appeared legitimate at first. The account discussed tattoo ideas, placement options, scheduling, and availability. Victims were shown sample tattoo designs and offered appointment times throughout the week.
Once appointments were discussed, the account allegedly began requesting money through digital payment apps. Screenshots show victims being asked to send deposits for “set up fees,” followed later by additional charges described as “ink deposits” and “sitting fees.”
One of the payment accounts shown in the screenshots used the name “Nathan Martoff.” Another later requested money be sent to “$thagreatmayo.”
As the conversations continued, the requests for money reportedly kept changing. In one exchange, the account claimed a customer’s appointment slot could be lost unless another payment was made immediately. In another, the victim attempted to cancel the appointment and request a refund but was allegedly told additional fees were still required.
After becoming suspicious, Amanda contacted Twisted Canvas directly and learned the account was not connected to the shop in any way.
Lebanon Now later visited Twisted Canvas and spoke with owner Timberlie Wallace Bowden while Amanda and Shelly were present. Bowden said she was upset her business had been wrapped up in the scam and offered to complete the tattoo work free of charge to help cover the money the victims had lost.
The shop is now encouraging customers to verify artists and appointment bookings directly through official business pages, phone calls, or in-person contact before sending money through payment apps or online accounts.
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