Stay Alert – Watch Out For Brushing Scams

Remember when mysterious seeds from China began arriving on doorsteps this summer? Authorities call this a brushing scam, defined as when people are sent products they didn't order so the company can post fake customer reviews to boost sales. The boxes typically have no return address and contain lightweight, cheap-to-ship items.

Companies that use brushing scams are often based in foreign countries and on the hunt for positive online reviews to improve their product ratings. They use your address and send you items so Amazon will label you as a verified buyer, enabling the companies to write a glowing review under your name and fraudulently increase their sales numbers.

At first glance, you may think getting free stuff delivered to your home is a good thing. But you should be concerned, since the company sending the products to you obtained your mailing address somehow. It could be from data breaches that exposed the personal information of thousands or millions of victims. You also don't know what other information these unethical companies obtained about you. They could have your Social Security number, bank account information, or online passwords — putting you at risk for identity theft.

How should you respond if you receive this type of mysterious package? First of all, the Federal Trade Commission says you're allowed to keep packages you didn't order, since federal laws prohibit people from sending you merchandise you didn't order and then charging you for it. However, since you could be the target of a brushing scam, take these steps:

1. Change your passwords.
   You want to make sure to keep cybercriminals and scammers away from your financial and personal information. So change the passwords for your credit cards, bank accounts, and so on.
   
   
2. Check your credit card and bank account statements.
   Log into your online bank account and credit card portals and look for withdrawals or purchases you didn't make. If you notice anything suspicious, immediately contact the company.
   
   
3. Report the scam.
   If the package you didn't order arrived from Amazon, contact its customer service department. Amazon can then perform an investigation and take action against the company using a brushing scam.