At least once a week, I get a Facebook message, chat from our website, or an email looking for an “amazing” new plant a customer saw on Facebook. They want to know if we’ll have this new variety in stock. I then open the attachment and my heart sinks. The plant is AI-generated, and I now have the job of breaking the bad news to the customer. “Sorry. That plant doesn’t actually exist. It’s an AI-generated image.”

In recent years, artificial intelligence has revolutionized creativity, from generating artwork to designing virtual landscapes. However, as with any technological advancement, it has also opened the door to new forms of deception. One emerging scam involves AI-generated images of exotic or rare plants being sold online as real, living specimens. These fraudulent listings prey on plant enthusiasts, promising unique greenery that doesn’t actually exist. In this blog post, we’ll explore how these scams work, why they’re becoming more common, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from falling victim.

How the Scam Works

The scam typically begins with an eye-catching advertisement or online listing featuring stunning images of plants—think vibrant, otherworldly succulents, impossibly perfect flowers, or rare hybrids that seem too good to be true. These images are often created using AI tools like DALL·E, Midjourney, or Stable Diffusion, which can produce hyper-realistic visuals based on simple text prompts. Scammers pair these fake images with enticing descriptions, low prices, and promises of fast shipping to lure in buyers.

Once a purchase is made, the outcome varies. In some cases, victims receive nothing at all. In others, they might get a packet of generic seeds or a cheap, common plant that bears no resemblance to the advertised product. By the time buyers realize they’ve been duped, the seller has often disappeared, leaving little recourse for refunds or accountability.

Why AI-Generated Plant Scams Are on the Rise

The proliferation of AI tools has made it easier than ever for scammers to create convincing fakes. Generating a high-quality image takes mere seconds, and with minimal effort, fraudsters can flood e-commerce platforms, social media marketplaces, or even dedicated plant-selling websites with listings. The plant community, known for its passion for rare and unusual species, is a prime target. Collectors eager to snag a deal on a “limited edition” or “newly discovered” plant may overlook red flags in their excitement.

Additionally, the anonymity of online transactions and the difficulty of regulating small-scale sellers across platforms contribute to the problem. Scammers can set up shop, make a quick profit, and vanish before authorities or buyers catch on.

Red Flags to Watch For

While these scams can be sophisticated, there are telltale signs that can help you identify a fraudulent listing:

Unbelievably Perfect Images: AI-generated plants often look flawless—too flawless. They might have unnatural symmetry, odd color gradients, or features that defy botanical logic (e.g., a cactus with leaves). Compare the image to real plant photos; if it looks more like a digital painting than a photograph, be wary.
Vague or Over-the-Top Descriptions: Listings might use generic terms like “rare hybrid” or “exclusive species” without providing scientific names or care details. Conversely, some may include overly dramatic claims that sound suspicious, like “discovered last month in a secret jungle.”
Prices Too Good to Be True: A supposed “one-of-a-kind” plant selling for a fraction of what similar rarities cost elsewhere is a major red flag. Scammers rely on low prices to hook impulsive buyers.
Seller Anonymity: Check the seller’s profile. If it’s newly created, lacks reviews, or has no history of legitimate sales, proceed with caution. Reputable nurseries or sellers usually have an established online presence.
Stock Photos or Repeated Images: Search the listing image online using a reverse image tool (like Google Images). If it pops up across multiple unrelated sites or looks like a stock photo, it’s likely not a real plant being sold.
Unrealistic Shipping Promises: Be skeptical of claims like “ships worldwide in 2 days” for a supposedly rare plant. Legitimate sellers often detail how they package live plants to ensure safe delivery, while scammers skip these specifics.

How to Avoid Falling for These Scams

Protecting yourself from AI-generated plant scams requires a mix of skepticism and research. Here are some practical steps to stay safe:

Buy from Trusted Sources: Stick to well-known greenhouses (like Bob’s Market), established online plant shops, or local sellers with verifiable reputations. Platforms like Etsy or eBay can be reliable if you choose sellers with strong feedback and a history of successful transactions.
Research the Plant: Before buying, look up the plant’s name or characteristics. If it doesn’t appear in reputable botanical databases, forums, or plant care sites, it might not exist. AI-generated plants often have no real-world footprint.
Ask for Proof: Request additional photos or videos of the exact plant being sold, ideally with a timestamp or a hand in the frame for scale. Scammers relying on AI images won’t be able to provide this.
Use Secure Payment Methods: Pay with a credit card or a service like PayPal that offers buyer protection. Avoid direct bank transfers or untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, which scammers prefer.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off—whether it’s the price, the seller, or the plant itself—pause and investigate further. Enthusiasm for a new addition to your collection shouldn’t override common sense.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a plant scam, act quickly. Contact the seller to demand a refund, and if they’re unresponsive, report the listing to the platform it appeared on. File a dispute with your payment provider to recover your money, and leave a review or warning to alert other buyers. While it’s frustrating, sharing your experience can help prevent others from making the same mistake.

The Future of Plant Shopping in an AI World

As AI technology advances, distinguishing real plants from digital fakes will become more challenging. However, awareness is your best defense. By staying informed and cautious, you can continue to enjoy the thrill of expanding your plant collection without falling prey to fraudsters.

The online plant community thrives on trust and shared passion. Don’t let scammers dampen your love for greenery—just keep your eyes open and your skepticism sharp.