SCAMMED by a quilting website!

The quilting community has had an issue with scam sites for years. These scam quilting sites sell fake versions of real products, or take money and then disappear, delivering nothing at all. It is a huge issue for quilters who want quality products, and also a big problem for designers who work hard to create innovative patterns and notions, only to have cheap knock-offs flood the market.
In this video, I'm sharing my recent experience being scammed, and showing you the difference between a scam version and a real version of a cross stitch product. I'm also sharing red flags to watch out for when you're shopping online for quilting patterns and tools.
Join in the conversation in the comments!
Here is the genuine link to the Cross Stitch Advent shown in this video - Marvling Bros Etsy: www.etsy.com/l...
Here is the link to sign up for my email list: alwaysexpectmo...
#quilting #scammer #sewing #tips #diy #crossstitch

[@susanowen1709]

If people are too embarrassed to say, "Hey, I got scammed!" then that's only to the scammers' advantage. Thank you for sharing your experience & letting people know what to look out for.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I've actively worked to get sites like this, that are making counterfeit versions of my products, taken down. And yet one tricked me. Pretty embarassing... 😭 I was in a rush, I was tired, I was multitasking... and yes, they got me. 💔 But joke is on them. This video has gone viral. So hopefully they'll have a LOT less customers soon! ❤️

[@susanowen1709]

​@@CarolinaMoore If someone as diligent as you could get taken in, anyone can. It's a good reminder that we're all human, we all make mistakes, and sometimes even the best of us get fooled. Absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about.

[@sararempel7956]

Thankyou soo much for being courageous enough to speak out about this awful trend. Hopefully this will get shared and put shame on the scammers instead of the honest ppl like yourself 🎉 I'm sorry you got scammed! 😢

[@gaylegordon2038]

SO TRUE! Don't be embarrassed, because your experience, once shared, teaches us all. Fix the blame on the guilty, and know that God will make it up to the victims. Publisizing it is the right thing to do.

[@sharonjohnson7458]

Thanks for being brave enough to give us all an education. I had no idea there were scammers out there for that sort of thing.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad it was helpful! And the scammers are everywhere... 😭

[@RoofTopPigeon]

@@CarolinaMoore I would just keep the scammer's designs and use them for yourself; if you like any of them; the scammer's already got their money from you that's all they wanted. They AREN'T going to care if you use any of their designs. Just Use the scammer's designs ONLY on Stuff that you make for yourself; NOT Stuff that you sell. That's what I would do!!! After All like I said; they already have their money; that's ALL The Scammer's Care!!!

[@CarolinaMoore]

@RoofTopPigeon you're riggt... the scammers don't care what I do with the product moving forward... but I do. I want to spend my time on projects that bring me joy. ❤️

[@Debee109]

@@CarolinaMoore Perhaps if you do not want to complete the scammed item yourself, replace the threads that aren't used in the designs with the correct colours and give to a charity so someone who would like to do the embroidery can engage in a craft they otherwise may not be able to afford.

[@dw6150]

Thank you for tell us about this. Wish I could get that list on a my phone.

[@geauxsavvydesignsbyShon]

Thank you for sharing. Do not be embarrassed. It helps others to be more aware. Awareness is half the battle.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad it will be helpful!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much for highlighting these scam sites. I’ve been struggling lately with my work being stolen and sold on many of these sites. We don’t have DMCA in the uk and so far I’ve been unsuccessful in trying to get my work removed. These sites are almost clones of each other they are so similar. I just feel so worried for people losing their money and getting nothing in return and would hate them to think I have something to do with that. Will share your video to my viewers so more people can be aware 🌸

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad we have the DMCA takedown, but the process is still tedious. Though it is better than nothing, it doesn't remove the psychological toll of having your work taken. I've had friends who stopped designing completely because they were so discouraged by their work being stolen. It is hard! I've heard stories of customers going to the original designers asking for customer service on these scam patterns and products... it is maddening! All we can do is be aware, look for the red flags, and not be in the big hurry I was when I put in my order. 😭

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

@@CarolinaMooreit’s awful, I’m sorry you got scammed by that site, but by making others aware it will make a difference and stop a lot of other people falling for it so thank you 🌸

[@CarolinaMoore]

@emmajonesvintagesewingbox I hope so!! ❤️

[@sylviaback3420]

Emma I’m sorry you where scammed too

[@lauraoneal5146]

@CarolinaMoore and @emmajonesvintagesewingbox I’m so sorry that there are dishonest people out there who take advantage of gifted, extremely talented people like the two of you. Carolina thank you for being brave and showing that even people who are in the industry can get fooled into purchasing something that’s not from the actual original creator. Emma I’m sorry you got snagged too. I have been watching you since you very first started your channel. Bravo girl for growing as you have. Both of you ladies are amazing and I love watching both of your videos!! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!💙🪡🧵

[@Quilts4fun]

So sorry you got scammed. Thank you for making this video. You gave so great tips on how to recognize a scam site.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad it was helpful! And the tips are great reminders for me too! ❤️

[@natalijawood7370]

Thank you for sharing. This is truly awful and disappointing for all original creators. I loved that you shared the names of the scammer sites. 💐

[@CarolinaMoore]

Thanks! 🥰

[@iknithappy]

This is so informative. I really appreciate you posting this especially knowing you had to spend time away from your normal content you post for us but it so important to get this out to all of us so we can know this is happening. Thank you so much!

[@KellyBaker-c9k]

I purchased a name brand HST ruler from Amazon but my squares weren’t coming out right. I compared it to a friend’s ruler bought in a quilt shop and mine was a knock off. Amazon did let me return it so I got a replacement directly from the original manufacturer and it was even cheaper. Pretty scary you can’t depend on what you think you are buying.

[@kassyndrakeller3819]

I am so glad that you shared this info! I have seen so many items that I could not believe anyone could really sell for the price listed and make a fair profit. It is interesting to know how the scammers work. I know how hard that the real designers work and want to support and encourage you.

[@CarolinaMoore]

❤️❤️❤️

[@jbl9848]

Thank you for sharing this valuable information. I hate that you were scammed. However, you did a great job turning an evil into a needed learning video.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Thanks! I was genuinely hesitant about sharing, since it is pretty embarrassing that I was tricked by one of these sites ... when I've spent hours trying to get my own stolen content off sites just like it! But, if my embarrassment can go towards educating our community so we can shut them down for good... I'll take it!

[@laurabuckles7961]

Great video to tell people what to look for! Facebook in particular is absolutely covered up with these scammers (and catfishers). It's been awhile, but I saw several videos on Facebook using clips from MSQC videos, including some quick glimpses of Jenny Doan, used by scammers on Facebook. They weren't using the MSQC business name, but I recognized the videos and reported them. Also saw several Jim Shore scammers that used his name and image. I guess one lesson is don't buy through links on social media, go directly to the source.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I wish Facebook would do more to shut down these scam ads...

[@CreativeStitchingwithAnn]

If I find something I like I will open a new window and google the name and go directly to their site. I double-check the web address to make sure it is legit. It takes a little more time but I want to support the actual artists involved.

[@michellehawkins5193]

Including several from Brazil. Not cool.

[@lesliex7894]

Luanna Rubin from Equilter highlighted similar problem recently with her brand getting knocked off. Shameful!

[@jvandenberg4825]

Thank you for reminding us that this happens so frequently and to always look for the original artist of a design. It is so important to support the artists out there.

[@pywagner]

Thank you, Carolina, for being real with us! I'm so angry about these sorts of scams that are going on all over! No reason to be embarrassed. I know, easy for me to say, but I think most of us have been scammed at some point, big or small. Thank you for warning us so we can be on alert for them. So sorry you were taken advantage of and hope this doesn't ruin your holidays. Take care.

[@CarolinaMoore]

This won't ruin my holidays... it is just one of over a dozen Advent Calendars I ordered and will be opening all throughout December! ❤️

[@coletteryan3887]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Sometimes we forget that scammers hide everywhere, even in our beautiful and loving industry.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Quilting is such a lovely community... I love being here. I suppose it is no shock that scammers do too? 😵‍💫🤣

[@teresakornegay1580]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I didn’t even think this is something I needed to look out for. It is very sad how much effort is put into ripping off people instead of making and doing good things for people

[@pajamaquilter9463]

Thank you for posting this! My company and patterns have been stolen by these horrible people over the last few years and what an ordeal it can be for me and my customers. We made a video about it as well. I pray we all become more informed so that these scam artists don't profit anymore.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I think more of us speaking out about it so folks can be aware, as well as giving tips on how to avoid these types of sites... all of that helps. ❤️

[@michelereynolds9898]

I just hate knockoffs! Good on you for doing this video, Carolina. So much to be on the lookout for when online shopping.

[@CarolinaMoore]

The knockoffs make me SO MAD! 😡 Hopefully sharing these details will keep others from being tricked. And if we stop falling for it, they'll stop making the knockoffs. 🥰

[@eleanorwittering3126]

Thank you for this video. There are so many scams out there and what a pain you have to go through to when someone *steals your creation!* I hope they watch this and know the *gig is up!*

[@LauraSup]

It’s so sad this happens! I haven’t looked into Advent boxes but this is very good information! I took a screenshot of the scam sights for reference! I’m so grateful that you took the time to inform us! ❤

[@CarolinaMoore]

Glad it was helpful! There are *so* many more scam sites popping up all the time... They just copy all the data from one site, and put it in a new place with a new URL and a new logo... it is so easy for them to keep creating more of the same...

[@LauraSup]

@@CarolinaMoore that’s why this kind of video is so important! Until I saw your video, it never crossed my mind to look for some of the things you mentioned. Thank you!

[@CarolinaMoore]

@LauraSup glad it was helpful! Sounds like my embarrassment was worth it! 💔

[@bethtrosper1375]

Thanks for bringing this up and discussing it. I didn’t know this was happening.

[@LeeBramlett]

Wow! I had No! Clue to even look for this. I have not come across any other video to tell us about this. I am very appreciative to you .. and ..a wiser purchaser now. Thank you!

[@klwmadeit]

Thank you for highlighting this issue to raise awareness!

[@eleanorwittering3126]

@klwmadeit Agree. Who would *think* to hijack someone else's intellectual property... The trouble they go through they could have used their energy and creativity and created their own! *Weird!*

[@CreativeStitchingwithAnn]

Thank you for putting this out there. You bring up several great points. Short-term "gain" leads to long-term losses for everyone involved including the scammers.

[@r.s62]

I am so glad you shared this information. I know there are scammers but I did not know they tried copying products! What a lazy bunch they are. They need to get a real job. Being creative is a talent and I appreciate that skill and depend on others for it. I don’t normally buy off unknown sites so hopefully that will help. For example, Temu is one I have avoided like the plague. When I see it the first thing I think of is slave labor because there is no way anyone can make money unless their labor force is barely being paid anything.

[@CarolinaMoore]

The scammers are getting very creative.. if only they would use their powers for good!! ❤️

[@gaylegordon2038]

Had you not told us - educated us - the scammers would keep scamming. I'm sorry you went through that and thank you for your valuable info!

[@lorrainehills3536]

I struggle to stay away from those cheap sites. Basically for a personal reason. I don’t need the latest cheap gadget. But I am aware of the quality of the materials. All strength to you for being strong enough to share your story.

[@PrairieJournals]

As part of the crafting community, thank you for letting us know. We need fellow crafters to tell each other. Sorry they did this to you. 🍁🇨🇦

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yes, we need to call them out, a d let others in our community know to be aware ❤️

[@cindyderosier]

Thank you for making this important video. This is such a big issue. I'm glad you were able to educate people about this.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Stay tuned... motored to come... unfortunately... 🤪

[@cindyderosier]

Oh no. 😢

[@agcwoodham]

I’m glad you included Mccaintailor in the list … I made the mistake of ordering a pattern kit from them and never again! They were advertising on Facebook and there were hundreds of favourable comments below all to the effect of ‘Wow, must have this, this is fantastic’ etc. I guess they remove instantly the contributions from people who said ‘don’t touch these fraudsters with a bargepole’.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Oh no!! I'm so sorry they caught you! 😭

[@robertawalsh2995]

I bet they write their own favorable comments or pay people for them. Sellers who get negative comments sometimes offer money for buyers to change the comment. I was offered $30 to write a positive comment for a product that only cost $9.99.

[@dianebrewster5563]

Thanks for sharing this! I am usually super careful and try to check things out before making a purchase, but am learning that even when super careful, anyone can be scammed. Thanks for actually showing the differences and explaining what people go through to try and take the scam sites down.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I wanted to include as much information as I could... but also not make the video too long. And I have not successfully taken the scam sites down, unfortunately. I've been successful at getting my products taken off the sites, but the sites still exist, with other folks' products on there. The DMCA takedown only allows me to demand they take down my copyrighted content. Not all the stolen content. 😭

[@PatriciaAnnFinck]

Thank you so much for sharing this information. We need to all support the original creators. I usually know it is a scam when the price is just too good. I like your advice on how to spot a scammer.

[@aquamarine8812]

Thank you for posting this. It is amazing the amount of energy a crook can have to cheat.

[@maryjanebraid4657]

Would like to add another tip - read the ads. Usually the english is poor. Grammar errors that are not normal or odd ways of saying things. Thanks for posting a video about this. Being able to lead by experience is one of the best educational tools. Being in the financial business, I have seen/heard some very sofisticated scams and people don't say ANYTHING because they are embarrassed. But doing that just allows the scammers to scam more people. Feeling like I have been scammed by a Bath & Bodyworks ad. Still hoping that the product may be coming from Australia and may be caught up in our Canadian postal strike. Have learned my lesson....unless it shows up. LOL

[@theresaperry7893]

Thank you for the information! So easy to get scammed these days. Awareness is the key. I will definitely be more careful when ordering designs in the future.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad it helped! 🥰

[@janicedonahue7735]

Thank you for enlightening us Carolina. It truly helps knowing we have to give something a second look

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm so glad I could help! And I know, it's getting harder and harder to tell the real from the fake!

[@cjtheisen5124]

I have purchased from many Etsy stores and never had a problem until....I ordered something, don't recall what, but something quilty, and waited and waited. Checked tracking and it said delivered!! It never came and fortunately Etsy gave me a refund. Then when I checked back to the store, it was no longer active. Thanks for all the info!

[@CarolinaMoore]

From what I've heard, Etsy does a good job of protecting customers. 🥰

[@lindastevens8392]

Just think about how wonderful our world would be if these scammers and hackers would channel their computer intelligence into POSITIVE BEHAVIORS. Thanks for sharing. I shared your video with a charity quilting group to which I belong, as many of us share patterns and quilting projects.

[@pattiadams3968]

I’m so glad you did this video. I fell for a scam website and had a difficult time recouping my money. A large payment company refused to help because the scam site had a fake tracking number and it said delivered. Thankfully, my credit card company got involved and took the appropriate action. Needless to say, I’m skeptical of online only retailers now and I will never use the online payment company again. In fact, I won’t even use the payment method as an option for my online business. Getting scammed does make you feel awful. It’s not so much about the money, as it is about funneling money from the creator to the scammers and how that deters people from buying from start up companies. It also makes you feel vulnerable and raw. Thank you for pointing out things to look for when determining the validity of a site/product.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm so sorry that happened to you! It sounds awful! Thankfully, I wasn't out too much money, and I used what they sent to make this video which, based on all these comments, looks like it will be doing a lot of good. So, all considered, I don't feel so bad. ❤️

[@tealkerberus748]

Thank you for sharing. Also, I really like your shirt!

[@jenniferpearce1052]

Don't be embarrassed! They steal everything, even the real product photos. Thanks for sharing. I bought a scam kit. Didn't bother to return due to the hassle. The aida isn't great and the floss goes fuzzy and is probably not quite the right shades. The chart is really hard to read. But I've been able to do the kit. Just less fun

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Thank you for this information! I'm so sorry that this has happened to you!

[@cherylmarshall37]

Thanks for the information! I respect you and your brand for making such an effort to inform us the consumer. Stay well, Cheryl❤

[@CarolinaMoore]

Thanks for saying that! I love this quilting community, and I want the best for ALL of us. 🥰

[@joycesinclair9397]

Great video. I recently bought two “cotton” dresses from a site supposedly here in Australia. When the dresses arrived they were 100% polyester. I was unable to get a refund because they were “closing the store”.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Oh no! That's so frustrating! 😭

[@robertawalsh2995]

I'm glad you made this video. Etsy and eBay used to allow anyone who was the victim of a scam to report a counterfeit product. But both Etsy and eBay have changed that policy. Now the procedure is the way you describe and only the owner of the trademark or copyright can fill out the form to report the counterfeit product. There are more counterfeit products than ever and it's more difficult to report them so Buyer Beware.

[@gladystan1]

This was a FANTASTIC video! Thank you for the information and comparison. I was recently scammed for $60 in clothing. I never received the clothing, instead I got a ring with a business card with a QR code. I didn't scan the code and so glad I didn't because it was a virus. Never got my money back. So, thank you again ❤

[@CarolinaMoore]

Oh no! I'm so glad that you didn't get the virus. But the rest sounds awful! 💔

[@geneselefkowitz282]

Did you try fighting it through your credit card company?

[@PennySpoolQuilts]

Thanks for that video Carolina, and the educational bit about what to look for. I was surprised at how “good” of a copy it is, actually, I expected the scammers to not go to such lengths to copy the original but cut more corners, like using uncut, white aida cloth, straight up copying the daily designs, plastic hoop etc. Makes me wonder, like a previous commenter mentioned, why they don’t just steal the concept but design their own otherwise. (Obviously I don’t condone copying of any sort, just to make that clear)

[@CarolinaMoore]

I was surprised at how bold the copy was as well! After thinking more, I don't think they bought the original. I think they used photos on the original site to make their copy. That's why just one of the patterns is a duplicate - the boat. Which is the one shown on the back of the box. And they followed those photos for what they put in the box. Someone could buy this, and just think it was cheap... never realize that it was a scam copy...

[@joane8651]

I'm so sew sorry that this happened to you, thanks for shouting it out to the people who follow and respect your work.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad it was helpful! And thanks to the comments, folks liking this video, subscribing, and sharing it with friends... the video has gone far beyond my regular reach. If I could pick a video to go viral, not sure I'd pick the one where I admit I was tricked... but if it helps, I'll take one for the team. 🥰

[@lizc.8573]

Almost every single name of those scam sites literally sound like scammers. I screen shotted. Thank you!

[@debneal4996]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I look at the websites and read through the policies and product reviews. I often ask where the products are made and where they are shipped from. If you are not sure about the website/products, reach out to the quilting/stitching community.

[@jennifermott5651]

Thank you! I got scammed by a t-shirt maker. When I went to contact them to complain about the crappy t-shirt they sent (not at all the quality they promised), their website had absolutely no phone number and the site has since disappeared. We all get scammed. Infuriating.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Oh no! To be fair, a lot of small companies don't publish our phone numbers (I don't). But we do have ways you can contact us (email, usually - but social media in a pinch!)

[@maryequilter31]

Thank you so much for bringing this all to light. I will certainly be much more observant as I order things. Loved the tips on how to identify these scammers.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Glad it was helpful! As AI gets better, they may figure out how to create faux personalities to represent a brand... but hopefully we'll keep getting better at spotting it! ❤️

[@cdustin1161]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. So many fraudulent people in the world. Makes it really hard to trust ordering on line. Thank you!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Glad it was helpful! Hopefully the tips at the end prevent folks from being similarly scammed. ❤️

[@torirochleau-rice8037]

Thank you for sharing. Great tips for detecting scams, but, you’re right…it’s getting trickier to spot them. (This doesn’t solve the larger problem, but in the US, always use a credit card to pay….they will help you when there is a problem.)

[@nancybrennan67]

I will say I found you by accident but so glad I did. Bless you for sharing your misfortune (so so sorry) but you in the long run will be helping……Blessings to you and your future

[@brendatucker35]

Sorry u had to go through this, but thanks so much for telling us! I'll be more careful now.❤

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad it was helpful! Hopefully getting the word out will make it not worth it for these sites!

[@KathleenRealtor]

Check with your CREDIT CARD company. Get a refund!! The scammer won't like loosing money....nor will the credit card company. They may be able to block the scammer accounts.

[@Monga_Makes_Things]

Thank you for this informative video! I’ve been scammed as a purchaser and had my business products/images copied for sale and parts of a book plagiarized. And unfortunately I had mixed results on my attempts to rectify the situations. It’s so sad that it is so prevalent. I’m not a quilter but I sew garments and the scams are everywhere. -Addie

[@aliceannjo]

I don't buy off FB anymore. I got scamed big time for a sewing machine and got a pair of socks. Couldn't do anything because it took almost 4 months to get it. Buyer be ware. Thanks for the information.

[@DeborahHarlow-Laird]

Thank you. Scammers have a place that does not deserve our purchases or time. Thank you for making this informative video

[@CarolinaMoore]

Glad it was helpful! And I'm also not a fan of scammers!

[@karencutchey2905]

TY for sharing. I was not aware of this. BTW - the correct link you shaded is not available anymore!

[@Stitchology]

Thanks for putting yourself out there. Most of us, makers, are loyal to designers. When we get scammed we feel bad for ourselves and for the designers. We want to support the creatives we like so they can stay in business so we can keep getting cute stuff.

[@vikkirountoit497]

WOW thank you for this video - GREAT explanation of all aspects of how scamming affects the creators and the buyers. Great info for how to discover if a site is likely scamming!

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad it was helpful! 🥰

[@melissafeldhaus4424]

Thank you so much for the tips on spotting a scammer.

[@annettecardenas6044]

Thank you for this information, and I’m sorry that happened to you. 😢

[@CarolinaMoore]

Thanks! Hope it was helpful. ❤️

[@booklassygarrahan3929]

Thank you. For the information and the walk through. It's frustrating because I don't want to steal from others.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I think most of us want to do the right thing, and make sure that creators are appropriately compensated... but we don't know what we don't know. 🥰

[@KimberlyChapman]

This issue crosses all crafts. I had a sugar arts podcast for years and I did an entire episode about knockoff products, especially things like silicone moulds and plastic cookie cutters. I talked about the same issues you do about supporting creators, but also pointed out that in that field knockoffs are often not food safe. Further, I compared a knockoff gum paste cutter to brand one to show how badly it did the job, and how sure you might’ve saved a couple of bucks but you would then have a harder time using it and end up spending so much time cleaning up rough edges that after one cake you’d be taking that savings as a loss in paid time. What I did with the knockoffs after was give them to my kids for mud/play dough play. So give them to my knockoff away to someone who will effectively use it as scrap… they can tie the floss in tree branches, use the cloth as Barbie bedding, etc. That way it is being used but not in a way that frustrates anyone.

[@KimberlyChapman]

That was supposed to be any knockoff, not to my knockoff. 😂

[@dianepike827]

Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing with us.

[@buttertoffee236]

Informative! You did a public service in making this video. I frequently look for the physical address and telephone number for the business on the website. It should be in the "About" or "Contact" webpage. If this is missing, I am suspicious.

[@Heather5073-hr1jw]

Sorry that happened to you. Glad you shared because thats what friends do! ❤

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yes! Friends protect friends from spending their quilty dollars on scammy items! 🥰

[@kathykline3436]

I deleted my Amazon account. I ordered Aurifil thread from them and it was in pieces on the spool! Learned my lesson; will buy from local quilt shops only!

[@CarolinaMoore]

It's great that you're supporting your local quilt shops! ❤️

[@KATZ-y9q]

They have a ton of scammers I buy local too

[@CarolinaMoore]

@KATZ-y9q buying local also supports your local community. ❤️

[@dianepike827]

Hope you returned it!

[@TheQuiltytina]

Amazon is not a scam site!!

[@mariawells8026]

This was extremely informative! Thank you. I had no idea. It's so sinful and they will pay for it.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad it was helpful! 🥰

[@AylenFaba]

It doesn't matter where they are made. It depends on artisans and quality inspection. My family and I have bought 2 kislux bags in the past 3 years and I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

[@WaterfallFW]

Wow I’ve never seen anything like this with an original and a dupe. So disturbing.

[@jeno264]

Really supports the idea to shop local

[@CarolinaMoore]

YES!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@bleeb90]

I have been scammed via Etsy, with honest to God dropshippers that were certainly not operating from the country they say they were operating from. I notice with made to order clothing, and small patterns it's best to do a reverse image search to find the original source. It is discouraging to see there are that many dishonest people out there profiting of other people's labour.

[@felicitymorgan2456]

Watched a small designer where the scammers bought all her patterns then started selling them half price elsewhere 😢

[@freddiehansen7324]

Important video! We all like to pay less for things, I have found I'd rather go to websites/companies/sellers/etc. that I know and look for sales rather than buy something cheap from a company I don't know. However, just because I don't know a company doesn't mean they are scammers lol It just means that I know the "seller" and the quality I can expect. Which is also why I have never tried all the "wish" and "Temu" stuff - they are all knock off, ripping off the actual creators and I don't like that.

[@jylromain6439]

That cheap thread and fabric could easily be from TEMU and since they have been found by multiple studies in different countries to have illegal and dangerously high lead levels in fiber products, I'd have it in the trash immediately. And right outside. Thanks for sharing.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Oh my goodness! I'm so glad you mentioned that about the lead! I hadn't heard that!

[@Alaska551]

Thanks for sharing-so many thieves out there!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Ugh! SO many! 😭

[@imariser1111]

Thank you for bringing more awareness to what to look for.

[@CarolinaMoore]

You're welcome! It's so important to look out for each other!

[@betsylewis9432]

I have your lighted rulers and I’m struggling with them since they have no numbers horizontally and no 1/4 inch markings. I believe you mentioned you were remaking them. As a legally blind and low vision person, the struggle is real finding that 1/4 inch and having to count every time I use the ruler. Please advise

[@CarolinaMoore]

Hello! I can't provide customer service in the comments on social media. There are so many comments, and on so many platforms, I don't see them all. And then people get upset that I "am not responding." It is simply unrealistic to manage all the comments on multiple social media platforms. I also don't get notifications of each comment, so it is easy to miss them. Again, folks then feel ignored. I'm just one human. Trying to manage multiple points of communication for customer service is a recipe for disaster. I am happy to provide support. Please email me at [e-mail] so that I can help.

[@marydugan3254]

I actually had a quilt pattern/tutorial stolen by a quilter in Wisconsin. She took my pattern including the colors and diagrams and sold MY pattern to a magazine in the U.K. Very disturbing that this was done by a fellow quilter! I contacted the magazine and the stand alone pattern was removed, but this quilter still teaches and promotes herself as an expert. It’s a horrible feeling.

[@swanhillfarm]

Amazon scammers have also figured out how to put fake products in carts and hope you don’t see they replaced the original OEM prod. It happened to me last month.

[@kathycarlen4858]

Thank you for this information. I will definitely be watching out and research before buying.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Hopefully you don't need it... but if you do, now you know! 🥰

[@chantald9661]

If it’s too good to be true then it probably is. It’s not your fault you were scammed and thank you for sharing.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I should have known better. The signs were there... I didn't take the time to look. 💔

[@sandraleonard5135]

Thank you for sharing.

[@SammiJarrad]

I was almost scammed by someone asking to buy one of my quilts. They wanted to send me a cashiers check for my quilt and then they messaged later saying they accidentally wrote a check for $600 extra, could I please cash it and send them the difference. Big no no. Apparently a cashiers check can be faked and you’d send them the extra from your account. Bummer.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Oh, yes! Lots of these types of scammers prey on artists, who are so excited to sell their art. It is really cruel. Glad you caught on before they ran off with your money! ❤️

[@SammiJarrad]

@ it’s extremely cruel. You put so much into your art. I’m glad too. Thanks for the heads up of all the bad sites. 💜💜

[@CarolinaMoore]

Hopefully it saves some folks! ❤️

[@SammiJarrad]

@@CarolinaMoore I agree! That’s why I posted. 💜

[@donnadavis1739]

I haven’t been able to locate the correct box. There are so many out there. Thanks for the help.

[@CarolinaMoore]

The correct box for which? The blue one? That one I have linked. The green one? I have not been successful on that one either... 😭

[@tanjaauer1140]

Last year relatives of mine wanted to buy me fabrics for Christmas and asked for recommendations where to buy from. My husband provided them with several local and trusted shops/websites and assured them that I'll like whatever they choose to buy there, again, I already knew these shops. My relatives however...gifted me a 'layer cake' from Temu, because it was sooo muuuch cheeeaper and more fabric! Yeah well, it was also poor quality and frankly unusable for a quilt :/ I still feel bad about not liking it because I genuinely think they thought it was a good deal. So I guess a lot of people get 'scammed' with their eyes wide open, just because they don't want to question why these sites are cheaper or the commercials look too good to be true. I know it's not exactly the same as in your case, the art theft is a chapter of its own, but consumers like my relatives keep things like Temu and Amazon in business I'm afraid, and therefore the scammers :(

[@CarolinaMoore]

Oh no! I suppose non-quilters don't realize it, but as quilters, we know... if we're going to spend all that time cutting and sewing, the quilt needs to last... and it won't if we don't use quality fabrics. Also, if we're going to spend all that time handling the fabrics, it should feel nice to our fingers - not stiff from ink, and scratchy from being poor quality!

[@lindacontois8818]

Thank you! I think this has happened to everyone at least once.

[@deniseluper8078]

Thank you for sharing. How are we to know valid products and websites? Once again the victim has to prove their right! 😢 Ive only been purchasing from this im confident in, afraid to try new vendors. Did you purchase knock off product thru etsy?

[@sleepycalico]

Thank you. That is a fair amount of work they have to do, so I wouldn't have expected scammers to take on such a project. Thank you. That's crazy that they didn't provide the right color floss. Color blind? And those black floss wraps with no writing really creep me out. It feels like a secondary scammer could be providing those, as if there is a whole-supply-chain-of-scammers-at-work.-Sorry--my-space-bar-just-died.!!!

[@CarolinaMoore]

It could be they're buying the floss in bulk, and then making the wraps themselves? But not even having the right colors is pretty funny... 😆

[@hauntedshadowslegacy2826]

Maybe it's just because I'm from the era of being told to not trust everything you see on the internet, but I just give the bird to the screen every time an ad pops up and put a mental note down to avoid whichever company the ad was for. I treat every ad like it's a scam until proven otherwise, even ads for major, well-known brands. And *clicking* on ads? Forget it. Never, *ever* click on an ad. There's too many phishing ads, scam ads, and auto-malware ads for me to do anything online without having some kind of protection against ads, the first of which is my own immediate distrust of every single ad I ever see. By the way, the FBI (yes, the actual FBI) recommends browsing the internet with adblockers installed. Maybe this isn't the lesson *you* took from this series of events, but it's one I'm gonna impart anyway. Adblock. Get a good adblocker and use it on as many sites as possible, even if a given site has a pop-up that begs you to allow the site's ads through. Until ad distributors get targeted by new legislation to punish them for allowing scammers to purchase ad distribution, this is the only safe way to browse the internet.

[@kimmcalister3594]

Thank you for this important information. I am so sorry this happened to you.

[@CarolinaMoore]

If I can prevent it from happening to others, that will make me happy! ❤️

[@kimmcalister3594]

@@CarolinaMoore This is the only way we can get them to stop. Stealing the intellectual property and future sales from creators is never okay.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yup! If people stop buying, they'll move on to something else. 🥰

[@LouAnnCox-yi8us]

thank you for sharing this. You just can't trust everything anymore = very sad!!

[@CarolinaMoore]

It really is a shame!

[@ZeldaSews]

Ohh. I am so sorry. I got scammed last Christmas and it is not fun! By the way I did a video using your box bag template on my channel.💞 I love it.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Sp sorry you got scammed, too! And I'll have to go check out your video! ❤️

[@nmoyer9860]

Thank you for sharing. This makes me sad.

[@Momdar2028]

Thanks for sharing this info, sorry this happened to you.

[@janetdwyer4492]

I’ve heard Temu is notorious for stealing/selling designs created by others. It’s really sad, because how do you fight someone based in another country? Most creators aren’t making the kind of money needed to pursue litigation.

[@stephhhie17]

They have offices in the US and still need to comply with US IP laws, every product listing has a "Report" button and can report for trademark/copyright infringement or counterfeit products. Since they are a marketplace platform like Amazon or Ebay they have to take action when they receive a takedown notice to not be liable for infringement themselves, but there are so many sellers and products that it can be like playing Whack-a-Mole.

[@cherylynn927]

I'm not a victim of this type of scam but I have one or two in other areas. I had contact the original company they informed me to the next step which was very helpful. I hope you get your cash back.