Ever opened your door to find a package you never ordered?
Well, It’s not a surprise gift, but instead, it could be a sign that you’ve been a victim of a “brushing scam.”
In today’s digital age, where online shopping is second nature, brushing scams have emerged as a sneaky tactic used by deceitful sellers.
Join me in this article and let’s delve into what is a brushing scam, its implications, and the steps you should take if you suspect you’ve been targeted.
What Is A Brushing Scam?
The term “brushing” in the context of these scams refers to unsuspecting victims who brushed aside any suspicion after receiving an unordered package.
It’s a fraudulent tactic where e-commerce sellers dispatch unsolicited items to random individuals.
These sellers, often operating on giant e-commerce platforms like Amazon or eBay, send these packages with a hidden agenda, to fake glowing reviews for their products, while posing as genuine buyers.
Receiving a package you never ordered might seem like a bonus, but it’s a glaring red flag.
It indicates that your personal data. (be it your name, address, or even phone number) might be accessible online.
Making you vulnerable to potential future scams or identity theft.
Several Types Of Brushing Scams
As we delve deeper into the world of brushing scams.
It becomes evident that this deceptive practice takes on various forms, each with its unique characteristics and implications.
Here are 2 types of brushing scams with detailed explanations about them:
What is the brushing scam on Amazon?
The first type of brushing scam is by receiving an unsolicited package from Amazon.
Amazon, even though it is already an e-commerce giant, isn’t immune to brushing scams.
Crafty scammers exploit the platform’s review system by making purchases with stolen data, shipping products to random addresses, and then posing as verified buyers to post fake positive reviews.
These fake reviews not only boost their product ratings but also mislead genuine buyers into believing the authenticity of the product and its reviews.
What is a brushing scam from China?
Another kind of brushing scam is by receiving a product that is unordered, from other countries. Which in most cases comes from China.
With its expansive e-commerce market, China has witnessed a rise in brushing scams.
Chinese sellers, that are eager to climb the ranks on platforms like Alibaba or AliExpress, often send unsolicited, typically low-value items to individuals abroad.
And once the tracking shows the item as delivered, they swiftly post counterfeit reviews, enhancing their seller reputation.
How do brushing scams work?
Peeling back the layers of the brushing scam reveals a systematic and calculated approach.
Here’s a breakdown:
Personal information acquisition
Scammers begin by unlawfully accessing personal data through tactics like data breaches or phishing scams.
They do this just to gather names, addresses, and even payment details.
Creation of fake accounts
Using the stolen data, brushed scammers then create a bogus account on e-commerce platforms.
These accounts, while appearing genuine at first glance, are instrumental in executing the scam.
False purchases
Using these fake accounts, scammers can make “purchases,” and ship the items to the unsuspecting individuals whose data they’ve stolen.
Delivery of unsolicited packages
Then the next thing that will happen, is that the package will be received by the unsuspecting victims.
These deliveries, while seeming random, serve a dual purpose. The first is to validate the fake purchase, second is to set the stage for the fake review.
Fake reviews
With the package delivered, scammers pose as the “satisfied buyer” and write glowing reviews for their products, misleading genuine buyers.
What you Should do About it?
Finding an unexpected package on your doorstep can be unsettling.
But fear not. Because there are things that you can do to navigate this situation safely.
Here’s how to navigate this situation safely:
Notify the retailer
When you receive a random package.
The first thing you will want to do is to reach out to the platform or business from where the package originated and inform them of the fraudulent activity.
Do not send even a dime
If you’ve been approached to return the package, always make sure that the retailer (whoever they are) bears the cost.
Never part with your money for unsolicited items.
Change your passwords
One sign that your personal data might have been compromised is receiving an unsolicited package.
Address this by updating your passwords and security settings promptly.
Monitor your accounts
Keep a vigilant eye on your financial statements and credit reports. Ensure no unauthorized transactions occur.
Consider implementing a security freeze for added protection.
The Conclusion
So, what is a brushing scam?
Brushing scams are deceptive practices where individuals receive unsolicited packages from e-commerce sellers aiming to post fake positive reviews.
While these scams might seem harmless at first, they indicate potential breaches of your personal data.
If ever you find yourself a victim of such a scam.
It’s essential to notify the retailer, avoid any payments for unsolicited items, update your security settings, and monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
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