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  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: brushing scam, diamond ring, , ,   

    Diamond in the Mail Leads to New Brushing Scam 

    Diamond in the Mail Leads to New Brushing Scam

    By Greg Collier

    Imagine opening your mailbox and finding an unexpected package. Inside is a dazzling piece of jewelry, perhaps a diamond ring, along with a card inviting you to “register your precious gem.” This was the experience of a woman from Pittsburgh, who recently found herself at the center of a strange and unsettling scam.

    She opened the package to find what appeared to be a beautiful diamond ring. Confused, she wondered if the delivery had been sent to the wrong address. The package looked legitimate, complete with her name, address, and an official-looking USPS barcode. Along with the ring, there was a card explaining how to register the item, accompanied by another card with a QR code.

    At first, it seemed like an honest mistake, but her instincts told her something was off. Despite rarely shopping online, she was cautious. The ring looked valuable, but why would anyone send her such an item unsolicited? Trusting her gut, she decided not to scan the QR code or register the product, a decision that likely saved her from falling victim to a scam.

    This experience is part of a larger phenomenon called the brushing scam, a growing scam spreading across the country. Scammers send unsolicited items to random people, using their addresses to post fake positive reviews on online marketplaces. The QR code included in these packages often leads to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal or financial information.

    The Pittsburgh woman’s experience is a textbook example of how these scams operate. The seemingly luxurious item is meant to entice the recipient into engaging further, whether by scanning a QR code or providing personal details on a fake website. Fortunately, her caution prevented her from falling into the trap, but not everyone may be as wary.

    QR codes, while convenient, can be as dangerous as phishing links if they come from an unverified source. Scanning them without knowing their origin could lead to malware, identity theft, or financial fraud. It’s a reminder that in today’s digital age, trust must be earned.

    The United States Postal Service and other consumer protection agencies have warned about the dangers of brushing scams. They advise anyone who receives unsolicited items to avoid following any instructions provided, particularly those involving QR codes or registration websites. Instead, report the package to local postal authorities or consumer protection organizations.

    For those who find themselves in a similar situation, the advice is clear: if you didn’t order it, don’t trust it. Whether it’s a fake diamond ring or another enticing item, these unsolicited packages are designed to manipulate and exploit. Trusting your instincts can help protect you and others from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated schemes.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: brushing scam, , , ,   

    The Evolving QR Code Scam 

    The Evolving QR Code Scam

    By Greg Collier

    Across the United States, a new scam is making waves, capitalizing on modern technology and targeting unsuspecting victims in their homes. This scam, which revolves around unsolicited packages and QR codes, has been reported in multiple regions, from Ohio to Mississippi, and is showing no signs of slowing down.

    The scam starts innocently enough as an unexpected package arrives at your door, often containing an item like jewelry, gadgets, or other small electronics. There’s no return address or clear indication of who sent it. Inside, a small QR code invites you to scan it for more information about the ‘gift’ or to register the item. But beneath this seemingly harmless gesture lies a potentially dangerous ploy.

    When scanned, the QR code can deliver malicious software directly to your smartphone or computer. The goal is often to steal sensitive data, such as banking information, personal details, or passwords, allowing scammers to access your financial accounts or even your identity. The damage can be swift and severe, with victims reporting emptied bank accounts and compromised personal data.

    This scam is a more dangerous variation of the traditional brushing scam. In the original version, companies would send unsolicited packages to generate fake positive reviews. However, this new version takes it a step further, using technology to infiltrate personal devices and steal valuable information. The unsolicited items may now come with the hidden threat of malware or identity theft, making this a serious issue nationwide.

    What makes this scam particularly concerning is how easy it is to fall for. QR codes have become increasingly common in everyday life, used for everything from restaurant menus to product registration. Scammers exploit this familiarity by enticing victims to scan the code, unaware of the potential risks.

    Reports of this scam have surfaced in various states, signaling that this is not a localized issue but a national problem. As the scam spreads, its potential to cause widespread harm grows, especially when the holiday season approaches and package deliveries increase. During this time, people are more likely to receive unexpected packages and might be less cautious when interacting with them, which plays right into the scammers’ hands.

    To protect yourself from this scam, there are a few important steps to keep in mind. First and foremost, if you receive a package you didn’t order, resist the temptation to scan any QR codes included with it. Even if the item seems harmless or intriguing, interacting with these codes could lead to severe consequences.

    Reporting these packages is also crucial in alerting authorities and preventing future victims. Whether through online retail platforms or local consumer protection agencies, flagging suspicious packages can help others stay informed and protected.

    As scams like these evolve, the need for public awareness becomes even more critical. With the rise of QR codes as a convenient tool for consumers, scammers are finding new ways to exploit technology and manipulate people into handing over their private information. Educating others, and spreading the word about potential dangers, can make a significant difference in combating this growing national threat.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: brushing scam, ,   

    BBB Warns of Nationwide Scam 

    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.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 31, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , brushing scam, ,   

    New brushing scam adds QR code component 

    New brushing scam adds QR code component

    By Greg Collier

    The brushing scam is a type of fraud where sellers on e-commerce platforms, like Amazon, send unsolicited packages to individuals to create fake positive reviews. People receive packages containing random, inexpensive items they did not order. Scammers use the recipient’s name and address to create fake accounts, making it seem as though the recipient purchased the item. They then write positive reviews under these fake accounts, boosting the product’s ratings and visibility.

    This increase in visibility makes the product appear more popular and credible, which in turn increases its sales. Although the recipients of these packages are not directly financially affected, their personal information is being misused, which can be concerning.

    A police department in Georgia has reported that some scammers have added a more malicious twist to the brushing scam. According to the Thomasville Police Department, recipients not only receive random, inexpensive items, but also a QR code instructing them to register their new product. Scanning this QR code can download a malware virus onto your phone, giving scammers access to sensitive data stored on your device.

    If you receive an unexpected package, think twice before interacting with any included instructions or QR codes. Instead, change your account passwords immediately, as your information may have been compromised. Closely monitor your accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Notify the authorities to report the scam. Lastly, try to inform the retailer about the fraudulent activity.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , brushing scam, , , unwanted packages   

    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.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , brushing scam, ,   

    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.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , brushing scam, , , ,   

    Bank refused to stop fraudulent wire transfer 

    Bank refused to stop fraudulent wire transfer

    By Greg Collier

    A man from Utah fell victim to two different scams, which resulted in scammers taking $10,000 from his bank account.

    The first scam that targeted him was the brushing scam. He was receiving several deliveries from Amazon that he didn’t order. Third-party Amazon vendors do this to game the review system, so phony reviews can have the ‘verified purchase’ tag added to them. This scam can be relatively harmless to consumers unless their Amazon account has been compromised, which this man wanted to find out.

    The second scam he fell into was a customer service impersonation scam. He Googled the number for Amazon’s customer service department, which wasn’t Amazon at all. Instead, it was a scammer’s call center posing as Amazon. Scammers will often pay search engines to have their scam phone number placed higher than the actual company they’re imitating. The phony Amazon rep told the man that it appeared someone had wired $10,000 to New York without his permission. Amazon, and other retailers, cannot access your bank records, if you think you’re speaking with Amazon, and they ask for your banking details, the odds are you’re being scammed.

    When the phony rep asked for the man’s credit card information, he realized he was being scammed. He went to his local Wells Fargo branch, since that was who he banked with. The branch manager told him there was, in fact, a wire transfer going out to New York for $10,000. When the man asked the manager to stop the transfer, he was instead referred to Wells Fargo’s fraud department, who told him that would investigate the matter and get back to him in ten days. It only took one day for the $10,000 to disappear from the man’s account. When the fraud department finished their investigation, they denied the man’s claim, saying that someone using the man’s username and password made the transfer, which made the man responsible for the financial loss.

    Mysteriously, once the man contacted his local TV news station about the matter, Wells Fargo reimbursed his money. As we have detailed in previous stories like this one. That seems to be the only way bank scam victims can get a refund, and even then, it’s not a guarantee.

    To safeguard yourself, it’s advisable to visit the official website of a company to obtain accurate contact information for addressing any issues you may encounter. Relying on contact details obtained through online searches can be unreliable. Additionally, refrain from sharing passwords or passcodes with anyone, and avoid granting remote access to your laptop or phone unless you initiate the call using the authentic contact number. Financial institutions typically request passwords or passcodes exclusively through their official app or website.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 5, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , brushing scam, , ,   

    Brushing scam sends luxury knock-offs 

    Brushing scam sends luxury knock-offs

    By Greg Collier

    If you’re unfamiliar with the brushing scam, it’s when a seller or a third-party vendor creates fake customer accounts on an online marketplace like Amazon. The scammer then ships inexpensive or sometimes completely worthless items to the addresses associated with those fake accounts. The scammer can then leave positive reviews from the fake accounts, boosting their seller rating and improving their visibility on the platform. This can lead to increased sales and higher rankings in search results, thereby tricking other buyers into thinking the seller is trustworthy.

    Sometimes, the items sent to consumers don’t even match the item the scammers are reviewing. They just need to make it appear as if the consumer received one of their items, so they can claim it was a verified purchase. Consumers used in a brushing scam tend to receive low-value and lightweight items to make the scam affordable for scammers. However, in Chicago, residents there are receiving some unusual goods.

    According to news reports, Chicago area residents have been receiving fake luxury items which they didn’t order. The example used in the news report was a counterfeit Cartier ring, complete with a ‘certificate of authentication’. The Federal Trade Commission has remarked that other items have been sent as well, like a counterfeit Burberry scarf. But the FTC would also like to remind us that no one is going to send the authentic items to people for free.

    While the brushing scam may seem like a victimless crime, it really isn’t. If the scams are successful, the algorithms sites like Amazon use will recommend these shady sellers instead of legitimate ones. In turn, this leads to consumers getting inferior products. Not only that, but there is also a security risk involved. While you can legally keep the items sent to you, it may mean that one of your retail accounts may have been compromised. If you receive one of these unsolicited packages, log in to your retail account and make sure it wasn’t charged to you. Even if it wasn’t, you should change your password and enable two-factor authentication on your account.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 15, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , brushing scam, , , ,   

    Why are online shoppers getting a cardboard square in the mail? 

    Why are online shoppers getting a cardboard square in the mail?

    By Greg Collier

    There have been reports from around the country of online shoppers receiving a weird delivery in their mail. Consumers who have used large online retail outlets like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart have reportedly been getting envelopes which have nothing in them but a cardboard square. To make matters more puzzling, they’re all supposedly coming from the same address in Nebraska. Is this some elaborate prank, or is there something more insidious at play?

    According to security experts, this is another version of the brushing scam. The brushing scam always involves getting items from retailers the recipients didn’t even order. This is largely done through Amazon, but has been known to be done through other online retailers. However, it’s not Amazon or other online retailers who are mailing out cardboard squares, the brushing scam is usually committed by third-party vendors who sell their items through retailers like Amazon.

    The reason vendors do this is to increase visibility of their product, although in an underhanded way. First, the vendors make it appear as if the recipient is a verified buyer of the item. This way, the vendors can put fake five-star reviews for their items in the recipient’s name. In turn, this increases the visibility of their item on websites like Amazon.

    Sometimes, the recipients will get a package that doesn’t even have the item that’s supposedly being sold. Instead, recipients will get something lightweight like a pair of cheap sunglasses, or in this case, a cardboard square. Scammers don’t want to actually use their money to pay for the postage quality items need.

    So, what does this mean for you if you receive an unordered item like this? The good news is you can keep the item you’ve received. The bad news is your online shopping accounts may have been compromised. Check your accounts like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and the like to make sure no purchases have been made without your knowledge. If there has, contact that retailer’s customer service immediately. If not, you’ll want to at least change the password on your retail accounts.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on March 3, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , brushing scam, , , , Wish.com   

    Brushing scam continues to plague consumers 

    Brushing scam continues to plague consumers

    By Greg Collier

    On the surface, the brushing scam seems like a victimless crime. You receive a package in the mail addressed to you that you didn’t order and probably didn’t pay for. By law, you get to keep whatever was in the package. No harm, no foul, right? Well, not exactly.

    In the brushing scam, third-party vendors that sell products on platforms like Amazon, Walmart and Wish, will send hundreds of their products to unsuspecting users of those sites. They use the fact that you received the package to use your name in a product review as a verified buyer. This allows the vendor to give themselves phony five-star reviews for a product that more often than not is cheaply made and shoddy. In turn, this tricks unsuspecting consumers into buying this product because of the false positive reviews. As you can see, while the scam is quite elaborate, it’s not without its victims.

    The State of New York, recently issued a warning to its residents about the brushing scam. They suggest that if you receive anything organic, like food, plants, or seeds, to dispose of them as they could pose an ecological threat, especially if they’re from overseas. If the package comes from a platform like Amazon, you should notify them and have them remove any false reviews made in your name. Lastly, you should check all your retail accounts to make sure that you weren’t charged for any of these products. Just as a precaution, you should change your passwords to these accounts every few months or so.

    In some cases, the recipients of these products have had their personal information compromised. So, if you receive one of these brushing packages, you may also want to keep an eye on your credit history to make sure your identity hasn’t been stolen.

     

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