Bird Feeder Scam Exposed

In this video, Chris exposes a bait-and-switch scam run out of China where a cheap bootleg bird feeder is being marketed using pictures and video of a premium Yankee Flipper bird feeder.
➤➤Authentic Yankee Flipper bird feeder on Amazon 👉🏻 handydad.tv/yfbf ✅
➤➤Bootleg bird feeder on AliExpress 👉🏻 handydad.tv/tz14 ❌ (Select the metal one. Reference only! Do not buy!)
Learn more about TOJA GRID pergolas at handydad.tv/toja
DISCLAIMER:
💳 - We purchased a product with our own money
See handydad.tv/disclaimer for details.
☕️☕️☕️ If you liked this video, say thanks with a cup of coffee 👉🏻 ko-fi.com/handydadtv ☕️☕️☕️
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[@ofiasdfnosdf]

That’s why I never buy through FB or Aliexpress - damn those corrupt people

[@handydadtv]

Sad but true.

[@richgreiner8965]

I have had decent luck with Alex press backing their sales. Buyer beware that the items are cheap for a reason.

[@UVAFoozle]

Sick and twisted for them to use your video. This needs way more views, I got a similar ad on Twitter and could tell immediately it was a scam, they even used clips of different feeders. But to be honest the target demographic of birding is typically older people who might not be as familiar with internet scams like that. Frustrating to not be able to claim much as it's a foreign company. Hopefully we can allow get major social media platforms to stop allowing this shit.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks. We can’t stop them, but we can try to inform people we know how to identify scams.

[@user-sn4hm8rg5i]

Bravo!!... Good for you! I'm so pleased to see you caught these scammers red-handed. Moving forward, I will certainly be a smarter shopper.

[@handydadtv]

Glad to hear!

[@stevehenkel354]

You should report it to Perky Pet / Droll Yankee. They might want to apply some pressure as well.

[@handydadtv]

I’m sure they know.

[@juanchapez7038]

Thanks for exposing these folks. Best advice is to be smart when you shop online. Always look into the seller/selling company. That will usually tell you all you need to know to determine if you should purchase from them.

[@handydadtv]

Yes indeed.

[@JimHalo784]

I know how you all feel. I ordered an E bike ( because of reviews from another KZbinr) from my spouse and when I tried to return it, it was a company based out of China but their address was a residential house in California. Talk about a headache, but I did finally get my money back working through the credit card company.

[@handydadtv]

Was the KZbin review misleading? Or did the ship you a different product?

[@JimHalo784]

I received the proper product, but the review on the E bike Was good, but no one ever talks about return issues. Also, on the review they talked about the company that was in the US but it’s not.

[@Marcuswelby-nx2te]

Sucker

[@beckykuhns4190]

You should go into business as a scammer detective. Grest job. More! More!More!

[@handydadtv]

LOL thanks. Tell me if you find any!

[@Adam-wu2xr]

I accidentally clicked a sponsored link in google for a high end sweater company (instead of clicking the actual company’s site). Website looked the same as the real site and prices were the same which is why i didn’t know i was on a scam site. Thought something was strange when PayPal was an accepted payment form but was really scratching my head when DHL was shipping it. I shipped directly to my sister since it was a gift and when she received it had no branding and looked and felt like the cheapest sweater in the world. After arguing with the company for a few days where they offered to credit $25 of $100 I disputed to PayPal who refunded the full amount.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you got your money back.

[@gluuuuue]

Lol, I bought one o' these bootlegs (through Walmart of all places). Since even regular bird feeders are kinda pricey, and the bootleg ends up roughly of similar construction and strength, I figured it was just rolling the dice. Since I've never had an original, I had no idea whether this was the same size just without the motor, battery, or sensors components. Of course, seeing the original in the hands of youtubers finally confirmed it's not the same size, lol.

[@handydadtv]

No comparison.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Dang SHY NA cons, worked 40+ years in Snapper Mower Mfg plant, was super pissed when we were bought by B&S & then THEY began outsourcing our parts to Shy na, then they closed us down@@handydadtv

[@jfeldmeth1]

Chris, I wish I had seen this video BEFORE I got taken in by this exact scam via FaceBook. The company that ad linked to was "Lurtus" but like the others you named on your video it used the hilarious squirrel proof videos of the Yankee Flipper to sell the inferior knock off . It took weeks to come (obviously from China) and arrived with no motor, battery, or sensors! Ugh! I'm embarrassed that I bought two (a 'special ' price if you got two rather than one!). I am writing to the company contact re return and refund. We will see whether I get anything back. In the meantime, I found your video and just ordered a legit Yankee Flipper to replace the fake ones. Thanks SO much for posting the video warning.

[@handydadtv]

Good luck with the refund.

[@DeeKru]

FB allows these scammers

[@handydadtv]

FB allows commerce. They have no idea which ads are scams.

[@Dave--FkTheDeepstate]

I hate lying scumbags! Thanks for the video.

[@handydadtv]

Me too

[@alphaomega8373]

Stop voting for Trump and prove it.

[@JusticeAlways]

As a handyman...I have some customers wanting to stop squirrels raiding their birdfeeders...was searching for a model to buy...thanks for posting this. 👍

[@handydadtv]

👍🏻

[@billsmoke9824]

Yep that's what happened to me. Took over 6 weeks to get. Not even close to photos showed. I feel for copy of your review. What I received was just what you showed. No motor, may be worth $5 at dollar store.

[@handydadtv]

Sorry 😞

[@Ann-qr2pv]

I really hate buying anything from China. I don't trust a lot of sites that sell stuff. I always look for the seller location. Bugs me how you can't find American made products like you used to. Thank you for posting this video. More people need to know about this.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Recently picking up my meds at Wal-Greens I noticed a DIFFERENT colored capsule, I looked closer & the pharmacy filled with a different supplier out of Orlando Fl. and the label had printed on the side Made In China

[@handydadtv]

😳

[@BARBARAMURPHY-vv2qy]

Saw the FB ad. Sounded too good, my scam alert antenna activated. 😅 Searched and found your video. Thanks for the information!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@heidifritz3053]

Oh, thanks for the information. I’m sorry you were directly involved. Thank heaven someone alerted you.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@mwhunt3104]

Crazy! Had the same thing happen with a yard art ornament!😡

[@handydadtv]

Dang sorry to hear

[@TerryBacon-qb2te]

I had the same experience, ordered from Vernier Shop. They shipped the same small cheap feeder. I got ahold of the Verier customer service and asked for replacement. They offered a 50% reimbursement.

[@handydadtv]

And they still made money.

[@ginnyandrews6875]

Thanks for this video! You saved me some frustration!

[@handydadtv]

Glad you found it before buying!

[@frankvardeman7741]

Thank you. I have a real Yankee Flipper. Can’t stand those fakes ! Thanks for showing us this scam!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure!

[@joeystellmacher8041]

Thank you so much, I tryed finding a short non powered one like this and couldnt find one, now I know why...lol, they are ruthless

[@handydadtv]

Yes indeed.

[@hughgonzalez8958]

I had an original Yankee Flipper. Love it. Had for several years. It stopped working because the battery would not hold a charge anymore. Tried to order a new battery but the phone number I had no longer accepted calls. It seemed the brand was sold. Then I fell for the add on FB and bought one with lower price. It was a piece of junk! Very disappointing! Still have my old original which needs a new battery.

[@handydadtv]

www.perkypet.com/droll-yankees-replacement-powerstick-for-the-yankee-flipper-squirrel-proof-bird-feeder

[@bobbiecolonna8802]

I can’t believe I saw this video. I fell for this scam last year. Saw your video and couldn’t wait to try it. It was as you said, much shorter tube, not very substantial and no motor. Needless to say, it didn’t deter the squirrels and really didn’t last long. It was a piece of crap.

[@handydadtv]

Sorry it happened to you.

[@rscalise2011]

Thank you so much

[@handydadtv]

Hope it helps

[@ronwoodward716]

Yes I was a victim of a Facebook scam add. The add was for an animated Jack O'Lantern. The video was very cool with great animations and sound from the Jack O'Lanterns. There were 3 different types and I ordered one of each. What I got were three cheap cackling pumpkins. Nothing like what was in the add. I tried to send them back for a refund no luck. Reported them to PayPal no help. Will never buy any shipped product from Facebook again. Local market place is still useful where I can go and inspect before buying but nothing mail order ever.

[@handydadtv]

I don’t know how those dishonest jerks can sleep at night.

[@brendaperez8581]

Thank you so much. I am purchasing the original one!

[@handydadtv]

Good choice.

[@shelleynevills2070]

Liked your video good work .

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@TexasRo]

Your video still shows up on the AliExpress link you provided in the description. Thanks for your video.

[@handydadtv]

MF’ers.

[@heydeereman1040]

My wife got scammed by that ad. Hers shipped from Italy. After a month the squirrels has that cheap plastic tube chewed up

[@handydadtv]

Sorry 😞

[@robertcornelius3514]

Amazon is going to shut down if this crap keeps going on. Consumer confidence is everything.

[@handydadtv]

There are plenty of scams on Amazon, but this wasn’t one of them.

[@slbellue6874]

Amazon will never get shut down.

[@neverendingmods]

Love my Yankee flipper feeder. I know feed the squirrels peanuts each morning. While also filling the feeder. Lol.

[@handydadtv]

Cool

[@fashun008]

I have been dooped several times from Facebook false ads that i will NOT buy anything that advertises on Facebook anymore.

[@handydadtv]

It’s not all bad, but I understand your apprehension.

[@rascaliwmc]

Interesting! BTW, thank you very much! A few days ago, I was looking down at my power strip & saw a charger plug, plugged in but the small elbow cylinder, not plugged into what it's supposed to charge. I went through tools in the garage.I went through everything throughout the house.Trying to see what this adapter charger is 4.And I still could not figure it out! It wasn't until I saw your video here And then I saw the charger for the original yankee flipper and realize, that's it, I charged the yankee flipper about a month ago lol! Now, I am going to label the damn thing so there is no mystery as to what it's supposed to charge from now on! Mystery solved, thanks!

[@handydadtv]

Glad to help. 👍🏻

[@jmms429]

I learned my lesson with white lit birch trees for Christmas a few years ago . Three trees, different heights for $180-200 normally. Wish I could remember the website that sent me a two foot green lit birch tree with clips on it for money. The box said money tree. Lost $80 on that deal of a life time. I haunted them for a bout a 2 weeks to no avail. Most of these rip off places are untraceable. That will never happen again.

[@handydadtv]

It’s a hard lesson to learn.

[@rosslangerak8361]

I ordered a pair of sunglasses through Amazon once. Apparently, the model I was ordering was out of production, so most other sources didn't have them. I ordered the black sunglasses, but when they arrived from China, they were white. I reported, through Amazon, that I didn't get what I wanted, and asked if the seller had them in black. I got an email back saying I could get a 10% discount on the sunglasses I had received. I said before we talk about any kind of price, I'd like to know if I can get the sunglasses in black. I got another email offering me a 50% discount. Again, I replied before we talk about price, I'd just like to know if I can still get the black sunglasses. They responded with an offer for a 90% discount. I'm pretty sure they shipped white instead of black and hoped I wouldn't object, and I'm pretty sure they didn't want to pay the return shipping. I gave the sunglasses to my sister for Christmas, and I'm pretty sure Amazon refunded the entire purchase. I have gotten a few other things from China and never had a problem, other than delays in shipping.

[@handydadtv]

I think that’s a common scenario. They bank on most people giving up.

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi Chris, unfortunately this type of counterfeit items is very common, I cannot have a bird feeder because between my cat and a wild falcon anything flying around my garden has a very short lifespan. I am sure that birdfeeder would work keeping the cat off but from the eight feet garden fence and the trees in my garden my cat can reach any part of my garden and nothing is safe, the biggest thing it has brought in is a white duck that was twice the size of my cat, apart from the bird supposably locked up so that bird flu cannot be transferred I just don’t know how it got it into my garden and then into my house but I heard a racket from my front room and when I looked in to see what was going on I was met with this duck flying through the air with my cat hanging for dear life, the other live animals it has brought in, are two live rabbits, a pigeon lost count of the hedgehogs and a wild weasel and I needed a hospital visit after that had bitten me and did not want to leave go.

[@handydadtv]

Wow 😮

[@ButtersCCookie]

Wow. That was rather eventful. I'm glad your bite wasn't more serious. My idiot neighbor has panels and put feeders out. Birds have taken over my home. Not to mention our street. People put so many of those spikes on their homes. The birds knock them down or stand between them. I wish to sue.

[@dianevalentine3434]

Here's another kicker: if you try to return the knockoff, it will cost you - I tried to return a different type product (door wreath), and it would have cost me $170.00 to return! The lady at the shipping company said that's how these companies get you- The shipping cost is so expensive, you end up keeping the item.

[@handydadtv]

Exactly. There are no returns. There is no recourse except your credit card company, but they might side with the seller because they offered you a refund if you return it.

[@Scott_A]

Heard lots of stories about people that have their products made in a factory in china and immediately the Chinese company is selling your product themselves while at the same time sending you your own stock

[@handydadtv]

I believe it.

[@fuzexi]

I just bought one on Amazon but when it arrived it didn’t even pretend to have a motor on it. I paid £12.99, and the plastic is really thin too. I’m going to write them a review on Amazon to warn off other people.

[@handydadtv]

Amazon will take notice if enough people return them for “product doesn’t match description”.

[@annettekrueger4932]

yes I received the cheap one and was VERY disappointed. There is no recourse to get my money back.

[@handydadtv]

Unfortunately not.

[@kathyestes2941]

yes, I had same experience with a children initial banks , absolutely junk.

[@handydadtv]

It’s an epidemic.

[@petergrant-xc3dq]

I bought 2 of these and followed the tracking from Denver to Indianapolis then to U.S. customs then shipped to the UK arrived at UK customs. Then I got a texted from Royal Mail saying my parcel from China would be delivered soon. I thought it was a mistake as I was expecting one from the USA. Then Royal Mail texted me a few days later and said it was out for delivery, when it came I found out it had come from China and the tracking was false and it was half the size as shown in the video and the tube was a thin flimsy plastic not Perspex the squirrels took 10 minuets to realize they could lift the lid slide it to one side and feed from the top they never even looked at the base. Very disappointed waste of money

[@handydadtv]

Sorry 😞

[@amdowd4856]

Yes I should’ve known better but I did order one. Kicker was that the clear tube was smashed and cracked on arrival. 😢

[@handydadtv]

Mine went right into the garage after this video.

[@XLEGION1]

I got caught, I thought I was buying your product but when it took a long time to arrive, I knew something was wrong. Yup, I got the bootleg China Version. Dont' know if it works or not as I have not set it up at the cottage yet. Sorry, just didn't know.

[@handydadtv]

You can certainly use it as a bird feeder but it won’t do anything about squirrels.

[@loveitorleaveit9673]

Over a hundred dollars for a bird feeder? You've got to be kidding me.

[@handydadtv]

I spend way more on bird seed.

[@sharonbaker1895]

I’m a sucker! 😢😢 Mine arrived today (a month later, from China)…and it is a piece of crap! I ordered from a company called Kixdo, but when the emails came, it was from Deppa. Whaaa? I knew something was shady when I got a foreign transaction fee in my acct. After this piece of crap came today (2 of them-I even got my dad to buy one who is an avid bird watcher and has been very creative about keeping squirrels away-not successfully 😂😂). I feel like I scammed my dad! This is terrible! Thanks for your info, wish I had caught it sooner. 🤦🏻‍♀️ When I opened the box I told my husband “I have to find where I ordered it from, it totally wasn’t shady!”…and started looking and found this video. *Sigh* I’m a sucker. Is there any recourse?

[@handydadtv]

Perhaps through your credit card company?

[@joeystellmacher8041]

I bought a bootleg at a thrift shop the other day for 2 bucks, like new, could not find one like it and this pops up, the bigger birds cant stay on the wheel because it free spins, so it kinda works, still waiting for finches to hit it

[@handydadtv]

May be worth 2 bucks.

[@Marcuswelby-nx2te]

What is this dragnet

[@handydadtv]

Ha! Try arresting anyone in China.

[@jameswaas2405]

They are on EBAY.they use a stock photo of an actual one.the low price is the giveaway.

[@handydadtv]

Agreed. If it’s too good to be true, it usually is a scam.

[@billsmith1770]

china is like what would happen if a cat became a country .

[@handydadtv]

🤣

[@suzanneporter738]

I bought one of these - can't recall where from but it doesn't work in any way at all!!

[@handydadtv]

Right

[@erikaamerica4546]

It’s disgusting. How many ordered that and imagine how much money they’ve made

[@handydadtv]

Sickening

[@WavyFBaby]

For almost ten times cheaper, it might be worth it.

[@handydadtv]

Go for it.

[@user-ux5pm2ff1m]

Yes I got bit. But now I have a real one yea

[@handydadtv]

Sorry

[@michaelklein8105]

$150 FOR A BIRD FEEDER? IS THIS INSANE?

[@handydadtv]

I bought it and I’m not insane.

[@RockoStarrYou]

Separate from the fact that it's a stolen concept/videos/design etc, how do they profit from something like this in the first place? Is it because purchasers don't bother doing a return or claim for not getting the advertised product? If that's the case, it shows how these kinds of bad practices are enabled only because of people's inaction.

[@handydadtv]

It would cost more than the purchase price for me to return it.

[@ButtersCCookie]

Oh wow. That's super disgusting.

[@ButtersCCookie]

Of course. But if we're not in it together. Or exposing them, nothing changes. Notice deal sites and forums are few and far between now. This manufactured shortages hasn't brought cheaper, faster, and longer lasting products. If you complain they will ban comments or remove them outright. Often American companies sell defective and substandard products. Knowing people won't return it. How businesses run Us now?

[@Canadiangander]

See my comment above. I sent them an email EVERY DAY. They came back with lame excuses. Today, I contacted PayPal and lets see what happens now...I also sent them HandyDadTV 's video.

[@handydadtv]

Good luck 👍🏻

[@cherylmillard2067]

They have no shame.

[@handydadtv]

Nope

[@maryellenseifert7343]

I was scammed and I requested a refund but was requested by them to send it back to China. I paid $45.00 and I refused to send it back. They gave me 8.91 . I cut my losses and will never buy anything on Facebook ever again.

[@handydadtv]

I’m surprised you got anything back.

[@aaroncatolico7550]

*Yeah, but does it actually work? Have you tested it? If it does, it may be a better deal overall.*

[@handydadtv]

There is no motor and the hopper is as thin as a disposable water bottle. Squirrels could sit there and chew through it in five minutes. I threw it away. It was junk.

[@poollife777]

My bird feeders are squirrel proof! And do you know why because I have them on 10-foot Shepherd hooks. And I use metal bird feeders not that crappy plastic. My birds are very very happy. Squirrels nor cats can get to my birds food.

[@handydadtv]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@peterlution]

Temu is the same.

[@handydadtv]

Yes indeed.

[@mauricehamling9878]

Yes, I bought one and get one free. I don’t want to game I could see it wasn’t what I was supposed to get. I was supposed to get a Yankee purple then on top of that about a week later I got another carton with two more and they’re so damn cheap the squirrels eat a hole right through it, what do I do call Mike them credit card company and they’re working on it

[@handydadtv]

Unfortunately, you got what you paid for.

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

They do it because they are justice-proof...

[@handydadtv]

True

[@fredfabris7187]

Ads are back up

[@handydadtv]

China’s on the move!

[@michaelwerbick]

heck... you can go to another china site and have it made with your name on it for $5...

[@handydadtv]

I’m sure

[@jason8104]

How much of that $18.00 did The Big Guy get?

[@handydadtv]

Which big guy?

[@joemc1960]

What’s wrong with letting squirrels feed too? They ravenous or something?

[@handydadtv]

They are rodents.

[@colinsimons]

I’ll not be getting mine from Wish😂

[@handydadtv]

No

[@Marcuswelby-nx2te]

He's a detective see this heel I ran that down

[@handydadtv]

😂

[@duanelamica9057]

I've just been scamed

[@handydadtv]

Sorry

[@gloriadumas1100]

Wow..and of course China Joe's best friend's..cheap junk.Thank you very much I'm glad I found you on here God bless

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@themeat5053]

You do know that the Chinese are the enemy, don't you? I try to not sleep with the enemy, but everyone has sold out.

[@handydadtv]

Where was your TV made? I can't imagine life without trading goods with China. They're not all bad. But there are sleezy Chinese just like sleezy Americans.

[@slbellue6874]

I feel the same.

[@EFD620G]

Just think how much money everyone but you made. Do you really think anything will get done to stop this.

[@handydadtv]

Nope. I’m just trying to increase awareness.

[@trevorphillips2868]

Any product with a ugly logo, weird name is a red flag. This bird feeder needs to create their own images using photoshop. Maybe photoshop a bunch of squirrels flying off the feeder and really show the buyer how squirrel proof their product is!

[@handydadtv]

They have no scruples.

[@vanessawilliams1657]

AMAZON IS "CHINA" Of Course THEY Have YOUR Design!! If YOU'RE Making The Actual Product, Sell DIRECT?? PEACE&LUV

[@handydadtv]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@customcraftsbybruceslaton4872]

I really wish we could do something about c#$p that china sends out.

[@handydadtv]

All we can do is be informed consumers.

[@ButtersCCookie]

Thank you so much for telling us.

[@Flintsmooth]

I look to see if it's China first thing, and if so, I move on. NO CHINA CRAP!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@jtc1947]

All too often when You buy chineesium. You get exactly what You pay for! JUNK!!

[@handydadtv]

Chineesium. Good one.

[@jtc1947]

@@handydadtv I think that Stony Ridge Farmer coined THAT word!

[@l.medina6251]

I had a similar thing happen on eBay!! What I rec'd didn't fit the description at all! I had to dispute the charge with my credit card company!! I don't shop eBay much anymore!!

[@handydadtv]

You could also have filed a complaint with eBay for false advertising. They would have refunded your money.

[@DirtyDick999]

I fell for this, saw your video, and bought one, it's rubbish!!

[@handydadtv]

Rubbish indeed.

[@markissboi3583]

Aliexpress -about S10.00 A Pissed off customer The shipped product is DEFINITELY NOT a Droll Yankee product and does not resemble the pictured product. It is nowhere near the size of the genuine product. This is a copyright infringement issue for Droll Yankees! The product itself is cheap junk. I should have known better, instead of ordering two of them! The package was crushed in shipping (not the seller's fault), but since the product is going straight to the garbage, it doesn't matter.

[@markissboi3583]

Like they ever take it off sales - Seller's Reply @@ Mr wong fuyou Dear customer, we are very sorry to let you have such an experience. We will take your criticisms and suggestions seriously and promptly, and strive to bring you high-quality service and a wonderful shopping experience! Thank you! Helpful (0)

[@handydadtv]

Sorry you got swindled.

[@davidmichaeltodd]

I ordered the $39.95 model from love(whatever) and my credit card was charged $55 by “shoethappy Hong Kong”. It’s been over a month since ordering. I kept getting tracking updates from them until the update’s stopped. I got scammed

[@ButtersCCookie]

I hope you appealed to credit card company. And exposed them on every site you can. But seeing as you didn't share information in full here. You're either a bot or part of the problem.

[@handydadtv]

Sorry Mike 😩