This Mother’s Day, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning consumers to be on the lookout for unscrupulous florists called “petal pushers,” placing bogus listings online, and in local phone directories.

If a consumer mistakenly calls a petal pusher, they’re transferred to an out-of-area telemarketer who takes the consumer’s order and forwards it to a local florist, while keeping a cut of the sale for themselves.

In past years, consumers have told BBB that their flower arrangement was either never delivered, or the wrong arrangement was delivered. In some cases consumers say that their credit card was charged more than they authorized.

The best way for consumers to avoid petal pushers is to order directly from a local florist or nursery, this way consumers can ensure that they’re getting what they ordered.

“If you’re ordering locally you know you have some recourse if your order isn’t up to your standards,” said Tony Sarah, Manager of Magic Garden Nursery and Landscape.

Sarah said another option for consumers looking to do something special for Mother’s Day is to visit a local florist or nursery in person.

“When you come in you can pick out a live plant,” he said. “That way you know what you’re getting, and there won’t be any unpleasant surprises.”

Here are some additional tips from BBB to help consumers steer clear of petal pushers:

• Ask family and friends for referrals to a florist or nursery they have used.
• Check to see if a florist is a BBB Accredited Businesses at www.tucson.bbb.org.
• If you find a florist or nursery from the phone book, look for a listing that includes a local address. When you call, ask for the directions to the store – if they hesitate or refuse, hang up.
• You can also ask for a guarantee. Most professional florists should have one.

For more tips, go to www.tucson.bbb.org or call (520)888-5353.