Understanding Unexpected Free Packages And The Brushing Scam

Receiving unsolicited packages at your doorstep can be a confusing experience. While it might seem like a fortunate accident or a promotional freebie, these unexpected deliveries are often part of a deceptive practice known as a "brushing scam." This phenomenon involves third-party sellers sending unordered merchandise to consumers to artificially inflate their product ratings and sales numbers. The practice exploits e-commerce platform policies, particularly those that prioritize reviews from "verified purchasers," to manipulate consumer trust. Understanding the mechanics of brushing scams is essential for U.S. consumers to protect their personal information and maintain the integrity of online shopping ecosystems.

Brushing scams typically involve lightweight, inexpensive items such as ping pong balls, face masks, seeds, or low-quality electronics like humidifiers, hand warmers, flashlights, Bluetooth speakers, and computer vacuum cleaners. These items are often shipped from international sellers without a return address or with a generic retailer label. The primary motivation is not the value of the item sent but the ability to create a verified purchase history, which allows the seller to post fake reviews in the recipient's name. This artificially boosts the product's visibility and perceived legitimacy, potentially leading to increased sales from unsuspecting buyers.

While receiving free merchandise might appear harmless, brushing scams pose several risks. They indicate that a scammer has obtained your name and address, raising concerns about potential identity theft. Additionally, your online reputation could be affected if fake reviews are posted under your name for low-quality or unsafe products. In some cases, consumers have reported that their Amazon or other retailer accounts were suspended or closed as platforms crack down on fraudulent activity associated with brushing. There is also a "porch pirate" angle, where thieves may use your address to receive packages intended for theft.

If you receive an unsolicited package, experts recommend not contacting the sender, as this could lead to phishing attempts. Instead, report the incident to the retailer (such as Amazon Customer Service) and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Monitoring your credit report for signs of identity theft is also advised. Although you are generally under no legal obligation to return unsolicited merchandise, taking proactive steps to report the scam helps protect both yourself and the broader online community from fraudulent practices.

What Is a Brushing Scam?

A brushing scam is a fraudulent scheme where an unscrupulent vendor sends an item to a consumer who did not order it. The vendor uses the transaction to create the illusion that the consumer is a verified buyer. This allows the vendor to post fake reviews in the consumer's name, which are given extra weight by e-commerce platforms because they come from verified purchasers. The goal is to fraudulently boost product ratings and sales numbers, making the item appear more popular and legitimate than it actually is. These scams are typically executed by foreign, third-party sellers who obtain consumer addresses from publicly available online data.

Risks and Consequences for Consumers

While consumers are not typically in immediate physical danger from brushing scams, there are significant downsides to these unsolicited deliveries. One major concern is the potential loss of account privileges. Online retailers like Amazon have strict policies against fake reviews and may take action against accounts involved in such schemes. If a consumer does not report the scam, the retailer might mistakenly associate them with the fraudulent activity, leading to account suspension or closure. There is also a risk of identity theft, as the scammer already possesses the consumer's name and address, which could be part of a larger data breach or used for further scams. Furthermore, having one's name associated with fake reviews for potentially harmful or low-quality products can damage online reputation.

Recommended Actions Upon Receiving Unsolicited Packages

If a consumer receives a package they did not order, several steps are recommended to mitigate risks and address the scam. First, it is important not to contact the sender, as this could lead to attempts to extract sensitive information or money. Instead, the consumer should notify the retailer (e.g., Amazon Customer Service) so they can investigate and remove the seller. Checking credit reports weekly for free at AnnualCreditReport.com can help monitor for signs of identity theft. Finally, reporting the scam to the FTC via ReportFraud.ftc.gov is crucial for helping authorities track and combat these fraudulent activities. Consumers are generally allowed to keep the merchandise, as there is no legal obligation to return unsolicited items.

Sources

1. Lifehacker: Free Amazon Package Brushing Scam
2. Better Business Bureau: Brushing Scam Indicates a Serious Problem for Victims
3. Federal Trade Commission: Got Package You Didn't Order? It's Probably a Scam
4. United States Postal Inspection Service: Brushing Scam