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Consumer Tip: What to Do When You Receive a Package You Didn't Order

Update The Rise of Brushing Scams: How to Stay Safe Have you ever opened your front door to find a package you didn’t order waiting on the doormat? While the initial excitement of receiving an unexpected delivery might feel like a sweet surprise, it could signal a more sinister scheme at play: a brushing scam. In today's digital age, scammers have developed such techniques to exploit unsuspecting consumers—writing fake reviews and potentially compromising your personal information. What Are Brushing Scams? Brushing scams occur when vendors send unsolicited packages to individuals, often containing low-quality goods. This is done to create an illusion of legitimacy and reliability. Scammers take advantage of your name and address, often sourced from data breaches or databases accessible online, to make fraudulent online purchases. Once the items are delivered, the scammers then utilize these fabricated transactions to post fake reviews under your name. This deception inflates their product ratings, giving the impression that their items are popular and well-received when, in reality, they fall short. As detailed by the United States Postal Inspection Service, this practice is illegal but runs rampant in today's e-commerce landscape. Identifying the Signs: Am I a Victim? It's essential to remain vigilant. Signs of brushing scams include receiving items you haven’t ordered, packages without return addresses, or noticing your name associated with reviews for products you've never purchased. Clare Stouffer's article on brushing scams emphasizes the need to report such anomalies immediately to the retailer involved, like Amazon for unsolicited packages. Brushing Scam Variants: The Quishing Twist Recently, brushing scams have adopted new tactics, merging with techniques like quishing—QR code phishing. Reports indicate that some unsolicited packages contain QR codes leading to fake websites designed to steal your financial information. If you find such a QR code, do not scan it; it may be linked to illegitimate sites mimicking trusted organizations. Steps to Protect Yourself If you suspect you are a victim of a brushing scam, here are critical steps to follow: Don’t Pay: You’re under no obligation to pay for unsolicited packages. If a vendor claims you owe shipping fees, inform them that you didn’t place the order. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit statements for any suspicious activity. Consider taking the extra step to change your passwords and utilize two-factor authentication for added security. Discard or Return: If the items sent are unsolicited, you have the choice to discard them or possibly return unopened items—mark them 'return to sender' if there’s a return address. Report It: Notify the marketplace from which the package was sent. Amazon, for example, has policies against brushing and will investigate these claims. Identity Protection Services: As an added precaution, consider using identity theft protection services or signing up for monitored dark web scans to keep your personal information secure. The Emotional Impact: How It Feels to The Victim Receiving unexpected packages can lead to feelings of confusion and distress. Many might wonder, "Why me?" or feel violated knowing their personal details are misused without their consent. This violation of privacy can stir anxiety and mistrust, reflected in how individuals approach online shopping or provide their information in the future. Conclusion: Stay Informed and Vigilant Awareness is your first line of defense against brushing scams. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of these misleading practices. For more information about brushing scams and how to report them, consider following guidance from the United States Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/news/scam-article/brushing-scam. Understanding how these scams work not only safeguards your personal information but also fosters a more secure online shopping experience for all. Join efforts to spread awareness in your community about brushing scams, making informed lifestyle choices with an emphasis on safety and security.