How can you recognize AI generated fake seeds sold as impossible plants on eBay, Amazon, and Etsy?

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TLDR

Scammers are using AI image generators to sell seeds for plants that do not exist, listing them on eBay, Amazon, and Etsy. Listings promote flowers that supposedly bloom in the shape of cats, butterflies, and birds, with impossible color...

How it works

Red flags

: Product photos look surreal, psychedelic, or too perfect to be real The botanical Latin name is missing from plant databases like RHS Plant Finder Seller is overseas, lacks a physical address, and offers no germination rate data

What to do

1: Search the botanical Latin name in a university extension database before ordering Buy only from named seed companies with a verifiable local address and history For overseas sellers, look for a phytosanitary certificate or USDA APHIS PPQ 587 permit

Source

malwarebytes

Source reviewed by Mythos Forensic Team

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/scams/2026/07/scammers-are-using-ai-to-sell-impossible-flowers

FAQ

Is AI generated fake seeds sold as impossible plants on eBay, Amazon, and Etsy a real scam pattern?

Yes. Treat the message, call, or payment request as suspicious until you verify it through an official channel.

What are the first warning signs?

: Product photos look surreal, psychedelic, or too perfect to be real The botanical Latin name is missing from plant databases like RHS Plant Finder Seller is overseas, lacks a physical address, and offers no germination rate data

What should I do first?

: Search the botanical Latin name in a university extension database before ordering Buy only from named seed companies with a verifiable local address and history For overseas sellers, look for a phytosanitary certificate or USDA APHIS PPQ 587 permit

Can LegalAudit check my case?

Yes. Start a free chat and paste the message, link, sender, or payment details for triage.