Greg's Corner

BBB Warns of Nationwide Scam

By Greg Collier

In recent months, consumers across the nation have been encountering a troubling trend, mysterious packages arriving at their doorsteps without being ordered. These unsolicited deliveries are part of a growing scam known as the brushing scam, which involves third-party sellers sending items to random addresses to boost their products’ online ratings with fake reviews. While the packages may seem harmless, the underlying scam has concerning implications for those involved.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about this scam, emphasizing its potentially scary downside. The products received through brushing scams are typically lightweight and inexpensive to ship, such as ping pong balls, face masks, or small gadgets. In some cases, recipients have found more unusual items, like a humidifier or a Bluetooth speaker. The common thread is that none of these items were ordered by the recipient, and the packages often arrive without a clear return address, making it difficult to identify the sender.

The motivation behind these deliveries is simple but effective, scammers are trying to manipulate online marketplaces. By sending these unsolicited items, they can falsely claim that a verified purchase was made, allowing them to post glowing reviews under the guise of legitimate buyers. These fake reviews help boost the product’s visibility and sales, all while the unsuspecting recipient remains unaware of their involvement in the scheme.

The most unsettling aspect of this scam, as highlighted by the BBB, is that it suggests the sender has access to some of the recipient’s personal information, such as their name, address, and potentially even their phone number. This information, once obtained, can be exploited in various ways by those with malicious intent.

To protect yourself from this scam, the BBB recommends taking proactive steps if you receive an unsolicited package. First, notify the retailer about the situation and attempt to identify the sender if possible. Check your online accounts for any unauthorized orders, and change your passwords to secure your information. While you are legally allowed to keep the items, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about protecting your identity and monitoring for any suspicious activity.