If you were interested in getting a tattoo you might have heard rumors about them being unsafe. Is this true or is it just another bluff.

Well first of all the ink used to make tattoos can be unsafe if it is prepared in a wrong way. There have been reports of itchy and inflamed skin in the summer when they have been exposed to the sun.
A more serious problem is when the instruments used to make tattoos aren't properly dinsinfected and sterilized. This can result in serious diseases like HIV. If the instruments were used on an infected client before you and the same instruments are used you can get HIV, too.
This is why you should always think twice before getting a tattoo. If you still want one then look for an authorized and clean place to get it.