Attorney General Steve Marshall's office has taken over the website of a Baldwin County business after issuing a restraining order against the company.
AKME Gardens is accused of fraudulently conducting business and scamming customers for several years.
The business sold agricultural products and grafted trees for customers throughout the country. However, Marshall said they falsely claimed to be certified to sell plants and seeds in violation of the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Further, he said many paid-for products were never delivered.
The restraining order is against AKME Group, LLC and AKME, LLC — collectively known as AKME Gardens — Adam Karsten Morck and Kristina Nis Dias.
"Making false claims to trick buyers into spending large sums of money without delivering a product is not only unfair but illegal under Alabama's consumer protection laws," Marshall stated. "In this case, by falsely claiming to be an Alabama-certified nursery, this business also puts our entire agriculture industry at risk by opening the door to harmful plant pests that could cost farmers and consumers. These actions are a serious threat to our community."
The Silverhill Police Department assisted in the investigation.
According to posts on an online forum, customers complained they spent hundreds of dollars and never received their orders.
"I used to trade cuttings with Adam a few years ago, and he was a good guy," said one poster in April 2023. "Always sent his part of the trade cuttings to me. But last year, he stopped sending any reply to my messages. I think that is when everything went back for Adam."
Marshall said complaints date back to 2021.
The company's website and social media channels have been taken over by the AG's office and closed. The website now contains a copy of the restraining order.
The defendants are accused of 24 violations for false claims and 13 violations for taking payments for orders never delivered. Marshall is seeking restitution for victims.
"We urge any consumers who have been affected by this company to immediately contact the office," said Marshall.
Affected consumers are asked to visit www.alabamaag.gov or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-5658.
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