The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) warns New Yorkers about a scam happening across the country. This scam called a brushing scam, involves getting packages you didn’t order, which can put your personal information at risk.
Understanding the Brushing Scam
In a brushing scam, you get packages you didn’t order. Scammers use this trick to make you a ‘verified buyer,’ letting them post fake positive reviews online.
Acting Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez says getting these packages means your personal information is being used for someone else’s gain.
How the Scam Works?
Here’s how the brushing scam usually works:
Package Delivery
You get a package you didn’t order. It has your name and address but no return address or it’s from a retailer. These packages often come from international sellers who found your address online.
Becoming a ‘Verified Buyer’
After you get the package, scammers use your name and address to create a ‘verified buyer’ status on online marketplaces. They then post fake positive reviews with your information.
Boosting Ratings and Sales
These fake reviews make the product’s ratings and sales go up, tricking real shoppers into thinking the product is good.
Real-Life Examples
Anna Hutchinson from St. Paul got baby reveal balloons and cupcake stands she didn’t order. She thought it was a mix-up until her neighbors told her about the brushing scam.
These scams mess with review systems on sites like Amazon, making fake purchases look real.
Why This Matters
Getting packages you didn’t order might seem fun, but it means your personal information is at risk.
Scammers use your data for more scams. Also, fake reviews trick people into buying products based on lies.
What to Do If You Get an Unsolicited Package
According to federal law, you don’t have to pay for items you get but didn’t order. You can keep them, donate them, or throw them away.
If the package has organic items (like seeds or plants), report it to the USDA. Don’t plant them since they might be invasive or carry diseases.
Send them for destruction with all packaging and contact information to:
If the package has unknown substances, contact local authorities.
Report it to retailers like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, or Wish. Ask them to remove any reviews posted under your name.
Check your online shopping accounts and credit card bills for strange activity. Look at your credit report for any mistakes. You can get free weekly credit reports right now.
If the retailer has your account information, change your password immediately.
Community Experiences and Concerns
Online forums are full of people sharing their brushing scam stories. One person got hemp gummies and vitamin C supplements they didn’t order.
Another got random items like plastic balls and pet clothing.
Expert Advice
Bao Vang from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) says brushing scams mess up the online review system.
They add fake ‘verified purchase’ reviews, changing search results on sites like Amazon.
Vang advises people to tell the retailer, change their passwords, report the scam, and watch their financial accounts.
Legal Rights
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says you have the right to keep unsolicited merchandise.
While this might seem nice, it’s important to know the risks to your personal information.
Final Thoughts
Getting an unexpected package might seem like a nice surprise, but it often means a brushing scam is happening.
These scams put your personal information at risk and trick other shoppers with fake reviews.
Stay alert, report any unsolicited packages, and protect your personal information.
By understanding brushing scams, you can better protect yourself and others from these tricks.
Remember, unsolicited packages are more than just unwanted mail—they are a sign of potential identity theft and fraud.
Stay informed, stay alert, and take steps to secure your personal information.
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