As you stack up last-minute holiday deliveries, an unexpected package at your doorstep might seem like a pleasant surprise—but think twice. You could be a target of a “brushing scam,” a sneaky tactic some online sellers use to manipulate reviews or access your personal information. Here’s how brushing scams work, why you should care, and what you can do about it.
What Is a Brushing Scam?
Brushing scams have been around for a few years and come in various forms. Essentially, scammers send unordered packages—often inexpensive, random items like ping-pong balls or flashlights—to unsuspecting consumers. These packages are typically shipped by third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon.
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The catch? Fraudulent sellers are boosting their product rankings by writing fake reviews using your name and address. According to Jennifer Leach of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer and Business Education, this is not just bad for honest businesses, but it might also mean scammers have accessed your shopping accounts or created new ones tied to your address.
How Do These Scams Happen?
Reports of brushing scams began when people received packages they hadn’t ordered and contacted retailers like Amazon to inquire. In many cases, customers were told to keep the unsolicited items. Amazon’s spokesperson has assured customers that they actively investigate these activities, taking actions such as suspending bad actors and reporting them to law enforcement.
Some variations of the scam include QR codes on the packaging. Scanning these codes might redirect you to a phishing site or install malware on your device, allowing scammers to steal sensitive information.
How to Identify a Brushing Scam
- Unexpected Package: You receive a package you didn’t order.
- No Return Address: The sender’s information is missing or vague.
- QR Code Requests: The packaging includes a QR code prompting you to scan for more details.
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What Should You Do If You Receive an Unordered Package?
Here are steps to take immediately:
- Notify the Retailer: Contact Amazon or the retailer’s customer service to verify whether the package might be a gift.
- Secure Your Accounts: Change your passwords and review your online accounts for any unauthorized activity.
- Report the Incident: Share the details with the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker or the retailer’s unwanted package report form.
- Don’t Scan QR Codes: Avoid scanning any codes included with unexpected deliveries. Malicious codes can direct you to fraudulent websites or install harmful software.
Are Brushing Scams Truly Victimless?
While brushing scams might seem harmless (you’re getting free stuff, right?), they can still pose risks. Beyond the nuisance of unwanted deliveries, scammers could use your information to:
- Open fraudulent accounts
- Post misleading reviews
- Exploit your identity for other criminal activities
Additionally, fake reviews could mislead other shoppers into making bad purchasing decisions.
Smishing Scams: Another Holiday Threat
Another growing concern this holiday season is smishing, where scammers send fake text messages about lost packages or tracking links. These messages are phishing attempts designed to steal your personal or financial information. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service advises against engaging with such texts and reminds consumers to rely only on verified tracking updates from carriers.
How Retailers Are Fighting Back
Amazon prohibits third-party sellers from sending unsolicited packages and has implemented policies to curb brushing scams. They encourage customers to report unwanted packages online via their Report Unwanted Package form and promise to investigate and penalize offending sellers.
Protect Yourself From Holiday Scams
With the rise of QR codes and creative scams, vigilance is key. Always verify unexpected packages and be cautious of digital links or messages. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure your holiday season remains joyous and scam-free.
If you’ve experienced a brushing scam or received suspicious packages, don’t stay silent. Report your case to help others avoid the same pitfalls.