Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create and sell images of plants that do not exist. These fraudulent online listings target plant enthusiasts with pictures of exotic and impossibly perfect flowers or succulents, luring them with low prices. A blog post by the retailer Bob’s Market explains that customers who purchase these items may receive generic seeds, a common houseplant, or nothing at all.
According to the article, fraudsters use AI image generators like Midjourney to produce hyper-realistic visuals of fantastical plants. These images are then paired with enticing descriptions and posted on social media marketplaces and e-commerce sites. The passion of the plant-collecting community for rare and unusual species makes them a prime target. By the time a buyer realizes they have been deceived, the seller has often disappeared.
To avoid these scams, the post advises consumers to be skeptical of images that appear too flawless or feature unnatural colors. Other red flags include prices that are too good to be true, vague product descriptions without scientific names, and new seller profiles that lack reviews. Bob’s Market recommends buying only from reputable nurseries and established online shops. Consumers should research any unknown plant and request additional photos from the seller. Using secure payment methods that offer buyer protection can also help recover funds if a scam occurs.