Unsolicited packages at your door might seem like a lucky break, but the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns residents about the risks of "brushing" scams. A brushing scam involves third-party sellers sending unsolicited packages to individuals to create the appearance of legitimate purchases. The goal is to use these fake transactions to boost product ratings and reviews online.
The items sent are usually inexpensive and lightweight, such as ping—pong balls, face masks, or small electronics. The catch is that the recipients didn’t order the items themselves. The scammers use the victim’s name and address to make it seem like the product is being reviewed by a real customer when, in fact, no purchase was made.
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Amazon has previously addressed the issue, emphasizing that third-party sellers are prohibited from sending unsolicited packages. Customers who receive such deliveries should first confirm the item wasn’t sent by a friend or family member. If no one ordered the package, Amazon advises reporting it through their online form or Customer Service.
Amazon requests details such as the number of packages received, tracking numbers, and additional relevant information to assist with investigations. The company takes action against violators, including suspending seller accounts, withholding payments, and cooperating with law enforcement.
The BBB warns that brushing scams poses risks beyond fake reviews. Receiving unsolicited packages could mean scammers have accessed personal information, such as names, addresses, or phone numbers. Porch pirates may also use the scam to monitor deliveries and steal packages before recipients retrieve them.
A consumer shared their experience through the BBB Scam Tracker:
"A mysterious package was delivered to my home from someone I do not know, without me ordering any such package. When I tried to look up the return address, the search returned ‘brushing scam’ hits."
The BBB recommends reporting unsolicited packages to the retailer and taking steps to secure personal information. This includes monitoring credit card statements, reviewing credit reports for unauthorized activity, and updating online account passwords.
Unordered packages may seem harmless, but they could indicate a breach of personal information. Reporting incidents and taking proactive steps can protect your identity from further misuse.
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