Scam site beware!

[Pitoon]

I was searching the web for a specific cultivar, and this site popped up. The website looks like a legit website, however after doing some research that's not the case. Their address is nonexistent, and the contact email is flagged on multiple websites. Do not purchase anything from this website. All the complaints were the same, you send the payment and you don't get any item in return nor can you reach them.

Roots Plants The best growers there for fresh plants. Best root garden vegetables

Sustainably grown plants in plastic-free packaging. Sent directly from the grower. Well packaged. Choose expert advice. Curate plant choices. Professional factory delivery.

www.rootspldeals.com

 

[Mike Corazzi]

Send them a bad check.

 

[Srt8madness]

Why people pay an unknown seller outside of PayPal baffles me.

 

[penumbra]

I know there is much I don't understand about the internet, but it amazes me that there are so many crooks out there. But it is more amazing to me that these people aren't found and prosecuted.

 

[Pitoon]

I know there is much I don't understand about the internet, but it amazes me that there are so many crooks out there. But it is more amazing to me that these people aren't found and prosecuted.

What amazes me is the amount of work they put into that website. It looks totally legit, the pictures and info looks like any other real website that sells plants online. I just don't understand how they can keep this going and not get caught.

 

[Dav4]

What amazes me is the amount of work they put into that website. It looks totally legit, the pictures and info looks like any other real website that sells plants online. I just don't understand how they can keep this going and not get caught.

Most likely an overseas operation that’s beyond the reach of law enforcement here in the USA. On the internet, it’s always buyer beware.

 

[rockm]

What amazes me is the amount of work they put into that website. It looks totally legit, the pictures and info looks like any other real website that sells plants online. I just don't understand how they can keep this going and not get caught.

All they need is one credit card number and they get their investment back. They are most likely offshore, probably Asia or Eastern Europe. Well beyond the reach of domestic U.S. law enforcement. They are very hard to find, much less prosecute--some nations actively harbor cybercriminals who do double duty with those nations' cyber espionage operations (hello Russia). The multiplying bogus sites are part of a very large international cyber problem. Some crooks are part of larger rings, some (if not most) are using "Software as a service" applications created for such activity. That takes the technical and programming work out of setting up sites. It costs literally dozens of dollars to do it. Returns on that low investment are extremely high.

Take a look at the vendors list here, or do a search on a vendor's name here. Don't trust any that aren't consistently mentioned favorably.

FWIW, I noticed another one of these kinds of murky sites actually soliciting here. Same M.O.--nonexistent street address, additional web sites tied to it for unrelated markets, photos of finished bonsai stolen from legitimate sources (hello, Walter Pall--seems he has become a go-to for scammers for stealing photos of excellent bonsai). I reported the site to the 'nut using the "report" button on the post. Do the same if you see suspicious posts here. Scammers are everywhere and increasingly deceptive. If you have trouble finding a physical address on a site, or find one that doesn't come up in a search, be very very careful.

And BTW, they DO catch some of this scum but there is soooo much of it...https://www.theregister.com/2023/04/05/fbi_seizes_stolen_data_mart/

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Looks like the creators of this site lifted the schema from a site (another scam?)… in the clothing industry. Here’s excerpts from the about section…

www.rootspldeals.com was founded in 2020 for one simple reason: We strive to improve the lives of those on-the-go by creating durable, functional and adaptable products at a great value; and we do this by co-creating products with you.

We always keep an eye on the latest trends and put our customers’ wishes first. That is why we have satisfied many customers all over the world, and are thrilled to be a part of the clothing accessories industry.

Good pick up @Pitoon

Best
DSD sends

 

[rockm]

Looks like the creators of this site lifted the schema from a site (another scam?)… in the clothing industry. Here’s excerpts from the about section…

www.rootspldeals.com was founded in 2020 for one simple reason: We strive to improve the lives of those on-the-go by creating durable, functional and adaptable products at a great value; and we do this by co-creating products with you.

We always keep an eye on the latest trends and put our customers’ wishes first. That is why we have satisfied many customers all over the world, and are thrilled to be a part of the clothing accessories industry.

Good pick up @Pitoon

Best
DSD sends

Probably same software template being used among thieves, or the same thief

 

[ABCarve]

Probably same software template being used among thieves, or the same thief

Wait till AI gets in the game if it already hasn’t! It’s no wonder Amazon does………..

 

[Pitoon]

Here's another scam site, do not buy from this site!

Beautify Your Landscape With Elegant Ornamental Shrubs - Potted Plants For Outdoor Gardens

Whether you're looking for a lush green hedge or a single bright flower, ornamental shrubs can help you create the perfect landscaping design. Browse our collection of ornamental shrubs and shop today!

www.rosebushessale.com

 

[Bonsai Nut]

@Pitoon spends too much time poking around dark corners of the Internet

 

[Pitoon]

@Pitoon spends too much time poking around dark corners of the Internet

Lol, just looking for mume that's all.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

Thanks for the heads up on those sites. Web surfing is getting tougher everyday, always question things, trust no one, make sure your devices are up to date.