Heavens no. I created the whole order up until the last moment and then didn't click submit. Testing to see if they were still accepting orders, which they are. So if you've heard nothing about them being crooks, it would be very easy for someone to get duped.

Susan_in_SB said: Heavens no. I created the whole order up until the last moment and then didn't click submit. Testing to see if they were still accepting orders, which they are. So if you've heard nothing about them being crooks, it would be very easy for someone to get duped.

I was assuming you didn't order after all the posts and reviews, but, wasn't sure. I would think the Texas attorney general would go after them if he/she learns about this. I read the reviews yesterday again and did see a 5 star review just put in, so, they are sending roses to some customers. They can't possibly stay in business with these bad reviews and claims against them.

Update on my Chamblee's debacle after being defrauded for $168: I filed a claim at the BBB. BBB replied after about a month that the company had not responded to their outreach. I also filed a REVIEW on the BBB site (this is separate from a claim.) Texas Attorney General's Office of Consumer Affairs -- filed a fraud report with them. Got reply that they had duly noted, but that they did not pursue companies from their end, that I would need to do this myself. Federal Trade Commission Fraud Dept. Filed complaint with them. My bank (who issued my debit card that paid for the order), I told them I had been defrauded by a company and asked them to reverse the charges. This was the most successful. I sent them my order email from Chamblees, my follow up emails to Chamblees, a screenshot from my account showing the debited amount, the negative Yelp reviews, and a summary of the dispute (all in PDF format). They initiated a claim, reinstated my charges provisionally, and I just now got a letter that my claim was successful, so the money that was instated provisionally is now permanent. I advise anyone who has been defrauded to utilize these channels, especially the one with the bank/credit/debit card, because it IS possible to recoup one's money. But... WHAT A HASSLE, OMG!! Plus, these people must be stopped, it is a disgrace to the rose nursery industry, we are a caring and trusting bunch and it is like TREASON for them to behave that way!

Well done!

Good for you, Claire! It's not right to let people get away with dishonest behaviour. All of us are at risk of getting hit by bad luck, etc.,but you've got to draw the line somewhere,and the over-all impression that I've gleaned from reading this thread is that these people are just not in good faith.

Thank you porkpal and bart, once I realized the scam these people were pulling, I vowed to not only get my money back, but spread the word so others would not suffer the same fate. These people also need to have their business license revoked, and get criminal charges levied against them. I have also posted on helpmefind in the rose forum and notified the admins over there, in order to get Chamblees removed from the database. It's going to take a while for folks to realize, because that was such a long-running GREAT nursery, it was one of the original mail order nurseries, and so many people loved them and depended on them. The worst thing here is the demise of a wonderful rose nursery, such a shame!

ParisRoseLady said: Thank you porkpal and bart, once I realized the scam these people were pulling, I vowed to not only get my money back, but spread the word so others would not suffer the same fate. These people also need to have their business license revoked, and get criminal charges levied against them. I have also posted on helpmefind in the rose forum and notified the admins over there, in order to get Chamblees removed from the database.

at last you are victorious, you have gotten your money back. Chamblee sounds like such a despicable organization. You have gone through various channels and expended much time I'm sure and I am so glad that you are spreading the word about your negative experience.
There are way too many people who would never tell anyone when they had a bad experience (I do not know the reason why) but it would be so helpful for others to know and to not do business with them. The more people that know how bad the nursery is, eventually Chamblee will be "starved out" so to speak. and be forced to close. Wish I had had people telling me all the negative projects that the contractor I hired (and fired) had done. Could have saved myself a lot of $$$$ and aggravation. We need more people willing to expose the scammers!

Disappointed about the Tx AG office since this wording is on their site:

If you spot price gouging or experience unfair or unlawful business practices, please file a complaint online or call our Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-621-0508.

What We Can Do

Receive consumer complaints and review them to identify illegal activity
File civil lawsuits acting in the public interest

bart2018 said: Good for you, Claire! It's not right to let people get away with dishonest behaviour. All of us are at risk of getting hit by bad luck, etc.,but you've got to draw the line somewhere,and the over-all impression that I've gleaned from reading this thread is that these people are just not in good faith.

I fully agree and good for you, Claire. These people need to be stopped and pay for what they are doing to innocent folks who are sending them money in good faith.

Thanks for the support and suggestions, everyone! I appreciate the feedback and kind words.

Update: I got contacted today by a person on the web who found my negative review of Chamblee's on Dave's Garden Watchdog, they told me they had been defrauded out of TWO orders this season. Their bank was not helpful, so they are OUT of major $$$. In addition, they are distressed that the Chamblee's website is still up and running and looking legit, most likely continuing to scam people. Does anyone know how to shut down a fraudulent online company?

Some helpful ideas:

Shutting down a fraudulent online company in the USA involves several steps and often requires legal action. Here's a general outline of the process:

Gather Evidence:
Document all evidence of fraud, including communications, transactions, and any other relevant information.
Keep records of emails, invoices, contracts, and any correspondence with the company.
Contact Law Enforcement:
Report the fraudulent company to your local law enforcement agency.
You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov/complaint.
Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB):
Report the fraudulent company to the BBB. They can help mediate disputes and provide information to consumers.
Contact Your State Attorney General:
Reach out to your state's Attorney General's office and provide them with the evidence of fraud.
State AGs have the authority to investigate and take legal action against fraudulent companies operating within their jurisdiction.
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3):
If the fraud involves online scams, file a complaint with the IC3 at www.ic3.gov. They specialize in internet-related crimes.
Consult an Attorney:
If you've suffered significant financial losses or the fraud is particularly complex, consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in consumer protection or cybercrimes.
An attorney can guide you on the best legal course of action and may represent you in court if necessary.
Gather Information on the Company:
Investigate the company's business registration and licensing details. You can often find this information on your state's business registry website.
Identify the company's physical location, if possible.
Review Contracts and Policies:
Carefully review any contracts, terms of service, and refund policies provided by the fraudulent company. They may contain information on dispute resolution processes.
Dispute Charges:
If you paid for products or services using a credit card, contact your credit card issuer to dispute the charges. They may be able to reverse the transaction and investigate the fraud.
Spread Awareness:
Share your experience on social media, review websites, and consumer forums to warn others about the fraudulent company and prevent further victims.
Remember that pursuing legal action against a fraudulent online company can be a complex and time-consuming process. It's essential to consult with legal professionals who can provide guidance based on the specifics of your situation. Additionally, continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation and legal proceedings to increase the chances of successfully shutting down the fraudulent company and seeking restitution.

Formal complaint to Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), GPT generated from the original post.

Subject: Complaint Against Chamblee's Rose Nursery

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against Chamblee's Rose Nursery regarding a series of internet-related crimes that have recently come to my attention. I am deeply disappointed to report my personal experience as well as the alarming trend of fraudulent activities occurring under the current management of Chamblee's Rose Nursery.

On [Date], I became a victim of Chamblee's fraudulent practices when I placed an order for five roses, totaling $163. Regrettably, these roses were never shipped to me, and despite multiple attempts to reach out to the company, I have neither received the plants nor been issued a refund. This incident compelled me to take action, and on June 26, 2023, I filed a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) against Chamblee's Rose Nursery.

The situation has escalated to a concerning level as consumer reviews on Yelp.com have begun to flood in, highlighting the stories of customers who have been similarly scammed. Some individuals have reported losses exceeding a thousand dollars. What is particularly distressing is that Chamblee's website appears to be fully operational, with no visible signs of suspicion to potential buyers. Customers innocently place their orders and make payments, completely unaware that they may never receive the ordered plants or, barring significant intervention, a refund.

It is with a heavy heart that I bring this issue to your attention, as I was once a loyal customer of Chamblee's Rose Nursery for many years. It is disheartening to witness the tarnishing of a reputation that the Chamblee family had built over decades.

I implore you to investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action against Chamblee's Rose Nursery to protect unsuspecting consumers from falling victim to their fraudulent practices. Furthermore, I kindly request that you caution others against patronizing this company to prevent additional individuals from experiencing the same distressing situation that I have endured.

I appreciate your immediate attention to this matter and look forward to a swift resolution. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number] if you require any further information.

Thank you for your assistance in addressing this grave issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Thank you Elena, wonderful and comprehensive suggestions! I looked up the Internet Crime Complaint Center, and it is a division of the FBI. There is a section to file complaints for online fraud which involves non-delivery of merchandise, this certainly fits the category of what Chamblee's is doing. I am going to proceed later today. That said, I DID get my bank involved and they managed to get my $168 reinstated to me, after a period of about 7 weeks. I don't believe Chamblee's refunded the money, it was more like the insurance system built into their debit/credit card system paid the amount.

Elena999 said: Formal complaint to Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), GPT generated from the original post.

Subject: Complaint Against Chamblee's Rose Nursery

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against Chamblee's Rose Nursery regarding a series of internet-related crimes that have recently come to my attention. I am deeply disappointed to report my personal experience as well as the alarming trend of fraudulent activities occurring under the current management of Chamblee's Rose Nursery.

On [Date], I became a victim of Chamblee's fraudulent practices when I placed an order for five roses, totaling $163. Regrettably, these roses were never shipped to me, and despite multiple attempts to reach out to the company, I have neither received the plants nor been issued a refund. This incident compelled me to take action, and on June 26, 2023, I filed a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) against Chamblee's Rose Nursery.

The situation has escalated to a concerning level as consumer reviews on Yelp.com have begun to flood in, highlighting the stories of customers who have been similarly scammed. Some individuals have reported losses exceeding a thousand dollars. What is particularly distressing is that Chamblee's website appears to be fully operational, with no visible signs of suspicion to potential buyers. Customers innocently place their orders and make payments, completely unaware that they may never receive the ordered plants or, barring significant intervention, a refund.

It is with a heavy heart that I bring this issue to your attention, as I was once a loyal customer of Chamblee's Rose Nursery for many years. It is disheartening to witness the tarnishing of a reputation that the Chamblee family had built over decades.

I implore you to investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action against Chamblee's Rose Nursery to protect unsuspecting consumers from falling victim to their fraudulent practices. Furthermore, I kindly request that you caution others against patronizing this company to prevent additional individuals from experiencing the same distressing situation that I have endured.

I appreciate your immediate attention to this matter and look forward to a swift resolution. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number] if you require any further information.

Thank you for your assistance in addressing this grave issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Well done, Elena!!

LittleAnnie said: Well done, Elena!!

Thanks, but I can't take full credit for Artificial Intelligence generated complaint, just used it.

Elena999 said: Thanks, but I can't take full credit for Artificial Intelligence generated complaint, just used it.

Too funny!

Update, so I went on that Crime Complaint site and initiated a complaint. The system stalled when I was unable to enter Chamblee's bank information. I'm not sure if this is knowable through MY bank by making a formal inquiry, but for the moment, I'm at an impasse.

If you paid by debit card, Chamblee's bank information should not be required.

Hello everyone, I am on here on behalf of Chamblee's Rose Nursery. We have reached out to those people on here who we could identify in an effort to figure out what happened with their orders, and trying to rectify the situation. Unfortunately several people on this thread, including the OP have not responded to our communications. If you guys experienced an issue this season would you please send us an email so we can get your situation resolved? We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to get you taken care of.

[email protected]