Tattoo artists have long dealt with impostor accounts that copy their work and collect deposits through payment apps. A scammer impersonating one such artist reportedly tried to get a $150 deposit from a close friend of the real artist, according to a Reddit post by u/OneConfection6363 in r/pettyrevenge. Because the target had apparently known the artist since 2011, the act seemed doomed from the start. The situation reportedly began when the individual noticed a fake TikTok account using the identity of their friend, a legitimate tattoo artist with a solid following. After apparently confirming through a Facebook message that the account was a fraud, the person decided to have some fun with the impostor. The scammer then seemingly kicked things off by messaging the person directly. The impostor appeared to play the role well at first, acting as if they were catching up with an old acquaintance. They even suggested specific dates in December for a tattoo appointment. The scammer also reportedly agreed to a fake request to visit the real artist’s mother during the holidays, responding with a laugh and a heart emoji. The scammer did not seem bothered when the friendship receipts came out According to the Redditor, things took a turn when the scammer asked for a $150 deposit to secure the appointment. The person then reportedly sent a Facebook memory showing 11 years of friendship with the real artist. The impostor, apparently unfazed, tried to brush it off by claiming Facebook memories pop up at the funniest times. Scamming Scammer impersonating my best friend. byu/OneConfection6363 inpettyrevenge When asked for payment details, the scammer allegedly steered the conversation away from Zelle. The impostor reportedly claimed the account wasn’t working and pushed for Cash App instead. The odd Cash App username was then seemingly explained away as belonging to a new apprentice who handles payments while the artist is busy. The impostor apparently kept checking in to see if the money had been sent, as they seemed eager to collect the funds. They also reportedly asked for a screenshot of the transaction and repeatedly checked whether the person was still available to pay. However, the person does not appear to have sent anything. The scammer eventually provided a Cash App handle and a phone number, acting as if they had recently changed their contact info due to phone issues. They seemed to think they had convinced their target, especially when the person said they were at work and would send the payment soon. The impersonator even reportedly reacted with a heart when the person claimed to have found the apprentice on Instagram. In the end, the person reportedly decided to ghost the scammer instead of sending a fake payment screenshot. They apparently considered creating a digital mockup to keep the ruse going. However, they chose to walk away, as a faked transaction could likely have led to trouble of its own. Impersonation schemes can escalate far beyond a tattoo deposit. One man reportedly nearly handed $300,000 to people posing as FBI agents before his daughter stepped in.