NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Nashville senior is warning others after he says he was scammed by what appeared to be a professional piano moving company.
Robert Russell is out $150 after giving Piano Movers Pro, a company he found online, a deposit over Venmo to move a piano in February. But when the day came to move the piano, there was no response.
“It was crickets. There was no response whatsoever,” Russell said.
A second look at the website pianomoversnashville.com shows no email or physical address. The site does list other negative reviews from those who also sent a deposit and experienced a no-show.
Russell tried contacting the company through the 615 number on the website and eventually received a text from a 470 number out of Atlanta telling him to stop.
WSMV4 called the number and spoke with someone who identified himself as the name on the Venmo account that has since been shut down due to complaints. The individual denied having a piano moving company but was familiar with Russell and said they wouldn’t comment further.
“I have every confidence in the world that they are scamming people and pocketing their money and not paying taxes,” Russell said.
The website also offers links to other services for housekeeping and masonry. One lists the address of an apartment building in Antioch.
Russell contacted Metro Nashville Police, who referred him to small claims court. But without a name or address, they couldn’t pursue the claim.
“The fact that it is a small amount, people like myself say I’m going to lick my wounds and move on,” Russell said.
Russell said he would like to see the company held accountable.
When buying services online, experts say to check that the company has a physical location and verify the phone number. They also recommend only paying once the service is complete.
Russell said he’s learned a valuable lesson.
“Don’t just Venmo somebody just because you think it’s the right thing to do at the time,” he said.
Russell did find a reputable service to eventually move his piano, and they did not ask for payment upfront.
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