Business ProfileforPlug Plant Shop

In June 2023, BBB received a Scam Tracker report for Plug Plant Shop.

The consumer stated he placed an order at www.plugplantpro.com and payed with Paypal. Paypal showed the transaction as being paid, but also disclosed the following message, "This invoice isn't available. We removed this invoice because it may have been a scam. Our fraud detection tools work around the clock to help keep online commerce safe for everyone. What to do next? Do not call any numbers or click any links that are in the invoice and consider deleting the email. If you think this invoice is valid, contact the seller for another way to pay." The consumer attempted to email admin@kobaltstore.com to contact the company about the order, but did not receive a response. The consumer also purported receiving a fraudulent charge for $434.23 the following day.

Whois.com shows the website was registered on February 10, 2023 for only one year out of Fujian, China. The address listed on the website appears to be a residence with no available yard. BBB has sent mail to the address to see if it is returned. Review of the website shows many inconsistencies, including the Contact Us page with a phone number consisting of too many digits, one email found on the Privacy Page that has been confirmed to be associated with numerous other scam websites, and the Payment Method page showing no accepted credit cards, but a paragraph on wire transfers.

BBB offers the following tips when purchasing items online:                                                                                                             

• Know the advertiser. It’s easy for a fake site to mimic a famous retailer’s website, so make sure you are shopping with a legitimate site. Check for an about page and a contact us section. BBB recommends ensuring the phone numbers and email addresses are both legitimate and responsive. If the site is missing contact information or has typo's, these are red flags. 
  
• Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals. Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails may offer free or very low prices on hard-to-find items, but you may end up with shoddy workmanship or no product at all. There may be hidden costs, or your purchase may sign you up for a monthly charge. Look for and read the fine print.
  
• Check a site’s security settings. If the site is secure, its URL (web address) should start with “https://” and include a lock icon on the purchase or shopping cart page.

• Protect personal information. Read a site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If a site doesn’t have a privacy policy, or it is not complete, that is a big red flag that it may be a scam.                                                                                                                                                
  
• Shop with a credit card. In case of a fraudulent transaction, a credit card provides additional protections; it’s easier to dispute charges that you didn’t approve or to get your money back if there is a problem. Debit cards, prepaid cards or gift cards don’t have the same protections as a credit card.

• Report such instances to BBB.org/Scamtracker, Federal TradeCommission and/or your State Attorney General’s office.