The Florist Loophole : Business News

The Florists Scam

Is this the Florist Scam or a misleading internet loophole?

In business we have to protect our company name especially in face to face consumer industries. So when we hear about a florists scam / astonishing misleading internet loophole hitting the US, it is vital to stay aware in the UK as often these successful scams skip the pond.

CBS Pittsburgh reports local flower shop Neubauers Flowers established 1921, 4 generation florists has been impersonated on search engine Bing by a company registered in California - surpisingly the people running the company all live in Iceland. As the impersonators have paid for the advertisement they are getting the first listing, which results in anyone seaching for Neubauers Flowers firstly sees Blossom Flowers using Neubauers name.

800 complaints have been filed against Blossom Flowers including consumers not revieving goods at all.

When CBS Pittsburgh telephoned the imposters of Neubaurers flowers direct asking where they were located, the customer services staff confirmed they were around the corner from the actual Neubauers Flowers official shop. When CBS Pittsburgh investigator pushed where exactly? Confirming she was in the area, staff said their shop was under construction. When CBS requested which building, the impersonators put the phone down.

Neubauers Flowers were unsuccessful in their requests' to Bing to have the false advertisement using their credentials removed, however with CBS Pittburgh's reporting this investigation levied enough weight to have Bing correct this. Sometimes a good reporter and a little public opinion is required.

Advice to businesses: Monitor your web presence, some businesses are more prone to having this ordeal than others and sadly a florists is one of them.

Research in the UK is showing several consumer complaints regarding "scam florists" this has yet to be investigated by any official body.

Advice to consumers: Take the extra few minutes to confirm you have the correct advertisement. Look for the companies official address in the area you are purchasing from.

As always check reviews if you are not sure about the company.