Greg's Corner

Unwanted deliveries: A twist in Amazon scams

By Greg Collier

This spring, a concerning trend is on the rise, catching many Amazon customers off guard: receiving packages they never ordered. What might initially seem like a harmless mistake is, in fact, part of a more insidious scam that is becoming increasingly pervasive.

For many, it starts with an unexpected delivery. It could be anything from patio chair cushions to child’s toys arriving unannounced on your doorstep. This might sound like an innocuous inconvenience, but for some, it’s much more than that.

Take, for example, a disabled veteran who is finding these unsolicited deliveries particularly burdensome. Receiving numerous boxes that he struggles to move due to his condition has turned a minor nuisance into a significant hassle. The items range from patio chair cushions to various fabric-related products, cluttering his home and adding unnecessary stress to his daily life.

This situation isn’t unique. Another individual experienced a similar issue, receiving a calligraphy pen and even a child’s scooter, all without ordering them. This phenomenon is known as the brushing scam. It’s an attempt by unscrupulous third-party sellers to boost their ratings on Amazon by sending out unsolicited items to unsuspecting individuals. By doing so, they can post fake positive reviews to bolster their product’s visibility and credibility.

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), this is not an isolated incident. They have received reports from thousands of people across the country experiencing these random deliveries. The items sent can be bizarre and varied, making it clear that these packages are not simply misplaced orders but part of a calculated strategy.

While it might be tempting to dismiss this as a victimless crime, the reality is more concerning. The very fact that these scammers have access to your name and address indicates that your personal information is in the wrong hands. This should not be taken lightly.

Here’s what you should do if you find yourself on the receiving end of this scam. Contact Amazon or the respective retailer to inform them about the unsolicited items. Immediately update your password for the site to enhance your account’s security. You should also enable two-factor authentication, as this provides an extra layer of security to your account.

Remember, legally, you are not obligated to return these deliveries. However, reporting them to Amazon’s fraud website is a prudent step. This helps prevent further misuse of your information and ensures you are not mistakenly charged for items you never ordered.

In conclusion, while receiving unexpected packages might seem like a minor inconvenience, it is part of a larger, more troubling scheme. By taking the necessary precautions and staying informed, you can protect your personal information and help curb this growing threat.