Mar 24, 2025 | posted by Lily Chavez
How to Avoid Fake Plant Scams Online
With the rise of AI-generated images and easy access to online advertising, fake plants are becoming more common. Scammers are now selling completely fake plants, like one recently posted on social media that had pink and white cat faces as flowers. They are even selling "seeds" for these non-existent plants for as much as $33. While it’s impressive that they can create these fake plants, it’s important to know how to spot them and avoid getting scammed.
Here are some tips to help you avoid fake plant scams:
1. Watch for Blurry Backgrounds
Fake plant photos, often made by AI, tend to have soft or blurry backgrounds. If you see this, it could be a red flag.
2. Check for a Botanical Name
Real plants have scientific names. If a plant listing doesn’t include a name, or the name doesn’t match what you find online, it could be fake. If a name is provided, search it online to see if it matches the plant in the listing.
3. Look for a Specific Variety
When a plant is marketed as rare, it should have a specific variety name. For example, a purple hosta should have a name like ‘Patriot’ or ‘Empress Wu.’ If there’s no variety listed, be cautious.
4. Pay Attention to Odd Descriptions
Fake plant listings may use strange or unnecessary words. For example, an ad once described seeds as being “resistant to poverty.” If the language feels odd or out of place, it’s likely a scam.
5. Be Careful with Seed-Only Listings
Plants that are only sold as seeds should raise suspicion. Scammers might send you something other than real seeds, like birdseed or even dust. Even if they offer a money-back guarantee, they might disappear before you can get your refund.
6. Avoid Claims of Worldwide Shipping
Selling seeds across international borders usually requires permits. If a seller claims they can ship seeds anywhere in the world, it’s probably a scam.
7. Check the Reviews
Look at the reviews carefully. Fake reviews are often short or repetitive, and the reviewer names might seem fake or too common (like “John Smith” or “Jane Doe”). This could indicate the seller is not legitimate.
If you're ever unsure about a plant you're thinking of buying, feel free to ask for help. We’re happy to check if a plant is real or a scam before you make a purchase. Stay smart and don’t let scammers take advantage of you!
Read more in-depth article: https://gardeningsimplifiedonair.com/episode-82-spot-plant-scams/
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