Greg's Corner

Understanding the Nationwide Brushing Scam

By Greg Collier

Brushing scams are a growing concern across the nation, particularly as the holiday season brings an uptick in parcel deliveries. These scams involve receiving unordered packages, often containing small gifts such as jewelry, electronics, or other items. While these packages may seem harmless or even generous, they are typically part of a larger scheme designed to manipulate online marketplaces and deceive consumers.

The essence of brushing scams lies in using unsuspecting recipients as unwitting participants in fake product reviews. Scammers send products to random addresses to create a record of delivery. This allows them to post fraudulent reviews under the recipient’s name on platforms like Amazon or eBay, falsely bolstering the reputation of third-party sellers. The goal is to make products appear more popular and trustworthy than they truly are.

An alarming trend within this scam involves QR codes included with the packages. These codes often invite recipients to scan them to ‘confirm delivery’ or to find out more about the sender. Scanning such a code can redirect individuals to potentially malicious websites, prompting them to download apps or provide sensitive information. While scanning the code itself does not inherently compromise devices, the actions taken afterward, such as granting permissions or entering personal details, can put individuals at risk.

The unsolicited nature of the packages is a key red flag. Authorities recommend not scanning any QR codes from unknown sources and refraining from engaging with the content or contact information provided in the package. Instead, consumers are advised to check their accounts for unusual activity, such as unauthorized purchases or changes to account details.

Brushing scams are not confined to any specific region; reports have surfaced across the United States, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. This underscores the importance of being cautious and staying informed. If you receive an unexpected package, it is critical to exercise restraint and avoid interacting with any prompts it contains. Contacting the retailer listed on the shipping label can provide further clarification and help mitigate the risk of similar incidents in the future.

To enhance personal security, it is recommended to regularly monitor online accounts for suspicious activity and update passwords periodically. While receiving an unexpected gift might initially seem like a pleasant surprise, it is important to recognize the potential risks and take appropriate measures to safeguard personal information. Staying informed is the best defense against scams like these, which continue to exploit unsuspecting consumers nationwide.