Be cautious of unsolicited packages arriving at your doorstep during the holiday season, as they could be part of a “brushing” scam.
Brushing scams have been around for years and are becoming increasingly common this holiday season. These scammers send unordered packages to consumers’ doors, often from third-party sellers on Amazon. The packages may be cheap items like ping pong balls or flashlights, but the real concern is that these unsolicited packages can lead to identity theft.
The scammers behind brushing scams try to boost their reviews by getting people to leave positive reviews for products they didn’t order. This is a “victimless” crime, as consumers don’t get harmed financially, but it can still have consequences. The issue arises when future shoppers see these inflated reviews and make a buying decision based on them.
To protect yourself from brushing scams:
* If you receive an unexpected package, contact the retailer and check your account for recent orders.
* Change your passwords and report any issues to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
* Check online accounts to ensure there are no problems.
* Verify the package is not a gift by contacting friends or family, and if it’s addressed to someone else, report it online.
Amazon takes action against sellers who violate their policies, including suspending or removing selling privileges. To confirm a package was not ordered, contact Amazon customer service and use the Report Unwanted Package form.
Be cautious of QR codes on packages as they can lead to phishing scams. Don’t scan the code if you receive an unexpected package, as it could install malware or take you to a spoofed site that steals your information.
Stay informed about holiday scams with these tips and report suspicious activity to protect yourself and others.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/did-package-didnt-order-may-100328693.html