Authorities Warn of 'Brushing' Scam

Another day, another Amazon^® package. We all like a little online retail therapy now and then, but there's a new danger you must be aware of before adding to cart. The "brushing" scam is an increasingly common scam that consumers need to be aware of when placing their orders online. This scam involves receiving unsolicited packages, usually from online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay^®, filled with items you never ordered. Who doesn't like free stuff, right? Not so fast... while receiving a free package might seem harmless, the implications of "brushing" can be far-reaching and potentially harmful.

How the Scam Works

For instance, you might receive a package containing a cheap electronic gadget or a beauty product you never ordered. The basic premise of the "brushing" scam is relatively straightforward. Scammers create fake accounts using real names and addresses, often obtained from data breaches. Using these names and addresses, they place orders for their own products, sending the items to unsuspecting individuals. Once the package is delivered, the scammer posts a glowing review under the fake account, using the delivery confirmation as proof of a legitimate transaction. These fake reviews help boost the product's ranking, making it more visible and attractive to potential buyers.

You Could Be Targeted

Your personal information, such as your name and address, is often available online due to either past data breaches or simply from being publicly accessible. Scammers choose random individuals to create the illusion of a legitimate purchase. The end goal is to inflate the seller's product ratings and increase their sales on e-commerce platforms. Unfortunately, this can lead to misleading and fraudulent reviews dominating the market, causing consumers to purchase based on false information.

How 'Brushing' Affects Consumers and Retailers

While it may seem like receiving a box of free items is simply a minor inconvenience, the "brushing" scam carries significant risks. For consumers, the primary concern is the misuse of personal information. If scammers have your name and address, they may also have access to other sensitive data, potentially leading to identity theft or other fraudulent activities. Additionally, if you ignore these unsolicited packages, your information might continue to be used without your knowledge, potentially leading to further scams or identity theft. This can have serious financial and personal consequences.

However, it's not just consumers who are affected by this scam; retailers are also adversely affected by "brushing." Fake reviews make it difficult for consumers to trust the ratings and reviews when purchasing. Legitimate businesses can be harmed by the scam, eroding consumer confidence in the platform.

How to Protect Yourself

If you receive an unsolicited package, there are several steps you should take to protect yourself.

Report the Package: Contact the retailer or platform where the package originated (e.g., Amazon, eBay) and report the unsolicited delivery. They may have procedures in place to address "brushing" scams.

Change Your Account Information: Consider changing your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication on your online shopping accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your financial statements and credit reports for any unusual or unauthorized transactions. If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately to your bank or credit card company. This can help you detect and prevent any potential "brushing" scams.

Dispose of the Package Safely: While you are not obligated to return the item, you can dispose of it if you do not wish to keep it. Be aware of any requests to return the package to the sender, as this may be part of the scam.

What Authorities Are Doing to Combat 'Brushing'

In response to the growing prevalence of "brushing" scams, consumer protection agencies and e-commerce platforms are taking steps to address the issue. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States has been actively investigating these scams and working to implement stricter regulations to protect consumers. Also, online marketplaces like Amazon have been cracking down on sellers who engage in "brushing" by suspending their accounts and removing fake reviews. But consumers need to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help authorities combat this fraudulent practice.

By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from the potential risks associated with "brushing". If you receive an unsolicited package, don't ignore it—take action to safeguard your personal information and contribute to a safer online shopping experience for everyone.

References: BBB Tip:"Brushing” scam indicates a serious problem for victims| Report Unsolicited Packages or Brushing Scams|Getting unordered seeds and stuff in the mail?