Brushing Scams

A new warning

Scams are dishonest schemes performed by bad actors. They often prey upon unsuspecting victims to steal identities or money. The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has issued an alert to people about brushing scams.

What are brushing scams?

Brushing scams are e-commerce scams that involve people receiving packages or parcels in the mail containing items they did not order. Frequently, there is no return address or retailer information. The items are usually sent by an international third-party seller seeking to achieve verified merchant status. The sellers seek to write product reviews on someone else’s behalf – and without their permission – to inflate product ratings. Per USPIS, “Since the merchandise is usually cheap and low-cost to ship, the scammers perceive this as a profitable pay-off.” While getting free stuff sounds appealing, it’s not so good after all.

Why is getting free stuff bad?

USPIS explains that while it seems like a victimless crime, the reality is that personal information is compromised. Most of these sellers get the addresses through “nefarious means” and with “ill-intentions.” It means your personal information is out there for other scammers to use. Additionally, “fake reviews” may cause individuals and businesses to purchase items that are not worth the money. Experts caution that sometimes addresses and account information are also used by bad actors to deliver and steal merchandise without a victim’s knowledge.

Geez, I’m a victim. What should I do?

Take these five steps.

1. First, do your best to guard your personal information. For example, only perform safe and secure internet transactions and keep your personal information (like bank account and Social Security numbers) private. 
2. Second, if you get a strange package and it is unopened with a return address, USPS will return it on your behalf at no charge. Also, if a bill is included, never pay for merchandise you did not order!
3. Third, if there is no return address and you opened the package, decide whether to keep or donate the items. USPS shares that by law, you may keep unsolicited merchandise and you are under zero obligation to pay for it.
4. Fourth, closely monitor all your accounts as well as your credit reports and credit card bills. Since there is a possibility that your personal information is compromised, change your passwords as a precaution. If the merchandise you receive is possibly dangerous, notify the authorities.
5. Fifth, if the unsolicited merchandise is sent through a recognizable third-party seller, such as Amazon or Temu, contact the company directly (via the official company website) to make sure the shipper doesn’t simply have the wrong address. Note that brushing scams are prohibited by most online shopping companies. If a brushing scam is detected, file a fraud report with the third-party seller and have them remove any fake reviews appearing under your name.

For more information or guidance on brushing scams, visit https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/brushing-scam

To stay updated on other scams, read our article on Student loan forgiveness scams. (Internal link needed)

This article is purely informational and is not intended as financial advice.