We just got a call from a local Ohio flower shop, Burnett Flowers, about a scam targeting florists. Flower Shop Network would like to let all of you hard-working florists know about this scam.

Greg from Burnett Flowers got a call on Monday, June 21st, through the hearing impaired  phone service (ttd relay) from someone wanting to place a $1600+ order. Fortunately for Greg, the relay service being used cut out before the order could be completed. After a little research, Greg found out it was a scam and notified us.

Greg discovered that 2 other florists from Eaton, Ohio had gotten a similar call. Florists from Ohio, Indiana, and even Kentucky should be cautious of this scam!

This type of scam is very similar to the Michigan florists scam last December. Here is an example of one of the calls from a Michigan florist:

Lynn from Bea’s Flowers & Gifts in Plymouth, MA’s said: “Here is a summary of the phone call I received on Nov. 23 regarding an order for 20 dozen roses. I received a call from the operator stating I had a call from someone who was deaf and she would need to interpret the call. The customer wanted to order 20 dozen mixed roses and was willing to pay $800 for the flowers and then added $950 to that for a delivery charge. They said they would have a truck pick up the flowers and we would then pay them the $950 for the shipping cost. They wanted us to put a total of $1,798.00 on a credit card and out of that we would pay the driver of the truck the $950 and keep the $848 for the roses. I asked for a name and phone number and this is what they gave me: Bella Mark at (917) 477-3043. I declined the order stating I was worried this was a stolen credit card and the customer hung up. I also reported this to the Plymouth Township Police.”

Have you been targeted by this scam? Use this website to report phone scams.

Please, if anyone else comes across this, or any other floral industry scams, let us know by emailing social@flowershopnetwork.com.

Flower Shop Network received emails from the Connecticut Florists Association and Michigan Floral Association this morning about the same scam.  Florists should beware of any email or phone call wanting the florist to provide flowers that will be picked up by a private shipper. Below is the scam florists are receiving.

[SCAM MESSAGE] I am Marc Gluckman by name and i will like to order for 4 big bouquets flowers for my UNCLE wedding and i want the price range of  $300 per one Approximately 26″ W x 41″ H and the color should be in bright summer color, it will be pick up by a private shipper on the 19th of december and want them arranged in vaces so can i have the total cost that now so that i can pay with my card now so i want you to get back to me with your contact phone number and also with the total charges and if you are available on that day so that we can make the arrangement.