Greg's Corner

Temu gets in on brushing scams

By Greg Collier

The brushing scam has plagued Amazon users for some time now. The brushing scam is a fraudulent practice where unscrupulous sellers send unsolicited packages to individuals to manipulate product ratings and reviews on e-commerce platforms, mainly Amazon. These sellers use real individuals’ personal information to place orders for their own products. They then ship low-cost items to the addresses of these unsuspecting recipients.

After the delivery, the seller posts positive reviews under the customer accounts, artificially boosting the product’s ratings and visibility. This scam not only confuses recipients, who receive items they never ordered, but also undermines the integrity of online marketplaces by inflating product ratings and reviews, ultimately deceiving genuine consumers.

Now, along with third-party sellers from Amazon, it appears as if similar sellers from TEMU are getting in on the act. TEMU is an e-commerce platform that connects buyers and sellers globally, offering a wide range of products including electronics, fashion, home goods, and more. TEMU has faced criticism for issues related to product quality and customer service.

Users have reported receiving items that do not match descriptions and experiencing delays in shipping, raising concerns about the platform’s reliability and transparency. Additionally, TEMU’s marketplace structure has been scrutinized for potentially prioritizing seller profits over consumer protection, highlighting the need for more stringent oversight and better support systems for both buyers and sellers.

Recently, a family in Illinois found dozens of boxes from TEMU on their doorstep, containing items like military hats and cameras. These individuals, like many others, had not ordered these items, prompting confusion and concern.

If you find yourself on the receiving end of an unsolicited package from Amazon, Temu, or any other retailer, the Better Business Bureau recommends the following steps to protect your personal information. Contact the retailer and ask them to investigate any fraudulent purchases associated with your account. If possible, reach out to the retailer and request the removal of any phony reviews written in your name.

Review your online e-commerce accounts for any recent orders you did not make. Update the passwords for your online accounts to enhance security and enable two-factor authentication. Lastly, keep an eye on your credit reports and credit card statements for any unusual activity.

By taking these measures, you can protect yourself from the deceptive practices of brushing scams and safeguard your personal information. If you receive an unexpected package, remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you address the issue.