If you recently shopped at Antique Gypsies, you may have unknowingly given your money to a scammer instead of the company for your items. In fact, the owner says that a former employee’s actions is giving her no choice but to close her doors.
“My husband, that was one of the last things we did before he died, was sign the contract on that place,” said Renea Roberts, owner of Antique Gypsies.
“It’s very hard when you put so much, into, you know, your dream or your business and kind of have it ripped out from under you,” said Jennifer Taylor, a friend of Roberts.
Roberts said someone who worked for her was charging customers on a personal app and taking that money for herself.
“She stole money from the credit card system, she stole cash, and kept the rent money,” said Roberts.
In fact, Roberts only found out because the employee accidentally left the receipt book behind.
“And I just happened to glance through it and I’m like ‘Wait a minute, I didn’t get money for this. Wait it minute I didn’t run a credit card for this,” Roberts said.
Jennifer Taylor is helping with the liquidation of the shop. She was a business owner herself and actually went through a similar experience.
“There were so many hours and blood sweat and tears put into something that. It feels like it rips a part of you, you know,” said Taylor.
Their one piece of advice for business owners is to trust who you’re hiring.
“That was a dream come true. And I want Lubbock and all the surrounding communities to know how much I have enjoyed that shop and how much I have enjoyed them coming in. Whether it was just to look or to purchase, it’s been a privilege,” said Roberts.
