Understanding Amazon Brushing Scams And Unsolicited Packages

Receiving unexpected packages at your doorstep can be confusing. For many U.S. consumers, a delivery they did not order might seem like a lucky accident or a gift. However, when these packages arrive from Amazon or other online retailers without a known sender, they are often part of a deceptive practice known as a "brushing scam." This phenomenon involves third-party sellers sending unordered merchandise to individuals to manipulate product ratings and sales figures. While the items are technically free, the underlying implications for personal privacy and security are significant.

What Is a Brushing Scam?

A brushing scam is a deceptive tactic used by unscrupulous vendors to boost their product visibility and sales rankings on e-commerce platforms. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), this scam involves sellers shipping unordered items—often lightweight and inexpensive goods like ping pong balls, face masks, or seeds—to random addresses. The primary goal is to create the illusion of a verified purchase. By obtaining a tracking number for a delivered item, the seller can generate a "verified purchaser" review in the recipient's name. Since e-commerce algorithms prioritize reviews from verified buyers, these fake reviews appear more legitimate, potentially inflating product ratings and misleading future customers.

The practice exploits the fact that recipients are legally allowed to keep unsolicited merchandise. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the United States Postal Inspection Service state that consumers are under no obligation to pay for or return items sent to them without prior request. This legal protection prevents companies from demanding payment for unwanted goods, a secondary scam sometimes associated with brushing.

Why Are You Receiving Unordered Packages?

If you are receiving free items from Amazon that you did not order, it indicates that your personal information has been compromised. Sellers involved in brushing scams typically acquire names and shipping addresses through public data sources or data breaches. They use this information to place orders using the recipient's identity. In some cases, the recipient may also notice unauthorized changes to their Amazon account settings, such as updated shipping addresses or new reviews posted under their profile.

The items sent are usually low-cost products sourced from overseas manufacturers. The shipping expenses are considered a marketing cost by the sellers, who view the investment as worthwhile if it results in higher product rankings and increased sales from other customers. While the immediate financial loss to the recipient is zero, the exposure of personal data presents a risk.

The Risks Associated with Brushing Scams

While receiving free items might seem harmless, the BBB and consumer safety experts warn of several risks:

1. Compromised Personal Information: The arrival of unordered packages confirms that a third party possesses your name, address, and potentially other account details. This information could be used for identity theft or more targeted phishing attacks.
2. Fake Reviews in Your Name: The scammer may post positive reviews for the product using your account. If you check your Amazon profile and find reviews you did not write, it is a strong indicator of brushing.
3. Follow-Up Scams: In rare instances, scammers may attempt to demand payment for the items, claiming it was a mistake or threatening legal action. However, under U.S. law, you are not required to pay for unsolicited merchandise.
4. QR Code Scams: Some unordered packages contain QR codes. Scanning these codes can lead to malicious websites designed to harvest sensitive information such as credit card numbers or Social Security numbers. Consumers are advised never to scan QR codes found in unsolicited packages.

How to Handle Unsolicited Amazon Packages

If you discover a package on your doorstep that you did not order, the Federal Trade Commission and Amazon provide specific guidelines on how to handle the situation:

• Keep the Item: You are legally allowed to keep unsolicited merchandise. You do not need to pay for it or return it.
• Check Your Amazon Account: Review your order history and account settings. Look for reviews posted under your name that you did not write. Check for unauthorized changes to your shipping addresses or payment methods.
• Secure Your Account: If you suspect your account has been compromised, change your password immediately. If you use the same password on other sites, update those as well. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
• Monitor Financial Statements: Keep a close eye on your credit card and bank statements for any suspicious activity.

Reporting the Scam

Reporting brushing scams helps authorities and retailers track bad actors. Amazon takes these violations seriously and has stated that they investigate reports and take action, which may include withholding payments, suspending selling privileges, or working with law enforcement.

Consumers should report the incident to the following:

• Amazon Customer Service: Contact Amazon directly to report the unordered package. You may be asked to provide the order ID (if visible on the packaging or receipt), the number of unwanted packages received, and photos of the shipping label. Amazon advises that you do not need to return the item.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call (877) 382-4357. The FTC uses these reports to build cases against fraudulent sellers.
• United States Postal Inspection Service: If the package was delivered by the USPS, you can report it to the Postal Inspection Service.

Conclusion

Receiving free items from Amazon that you did not order is rarely a benevolent gift. It is most likely a brushing scam designed to manipulate online reviews and sales metrics. While the items themselves are free to keep, the incident serves as a warning that your personal information is circulating among bad actors. By understanding the mechanics of brushing scams, verifying account security, and reporting suspicious activity to Amazon and the FTC, consumers can protect themselves from potential identity theft and help curb the prevalence of fake reviews on e-commerce platforms.

Sources

1. Lifehacker: Free Amazon Package Brushing Scam
2. Better Business Bureau: Amazon Brushing Scam
3. MakeUseOf: Amazon Brushing Scam
4. Clark.com: Amazon Scam Brushing Warning
5. CNET: Got a Package You Didn't Order?