Imagine returning home to find unexpected packages waiting for you on your doorstep. Boxes filled with various items, ranging from small gadgets to household products, all from different companies. It may seem like a stroke of luck, but beware – this is not a win for you. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns of a scam known as “brushing,” and it comes with some alarming consequences.
So what exactly is a brushing scam? These scams have recently become widespread across the nation. You start receiving packages containing random items that you never ordered, such as humidifiers, hand warmers, flashlights, Bluetooth speakers, or computer vacuum cleaners. These items are usually cheap to ship and lightweight, like ping pong balls, face masks, or even seeds from China. This occurs when a third-party seller gains access to your name, shipping address, and possibly even your account information. They then send you unsolicited items and write positive reviews on your behalf.
The purpose of this scam is to manipulate the seller’s ratings and enhance their online presence. While it may seem harmless or even beneficial to you, remember that nothing is truly free. Brushing scams pose a significant risk. Receiving these unordered packages indicates that someone has your personal information, including your name, address, and possibly your phone number. Once this information is online, it opens the door to various illicit activities.
Online sellers execute brushing scams to boost their sales and reputation. By creating fake purchases, they inflate their sales numbers, which in turn improves their reputation and leads to more genuine sales. It’s a deceptive tactic to make their business seem more successful than it actually is.
There’s another angle to this scam known as the “porch pirate” tactic. In this scenario, thieves use other people’s addresses and accounts to receive packages. They wait for the delivery and then steal the package before the rightful resident can get it.
So, what can you do if you find yourself in the midst of a brushing scam? Here are some steps to take:
1. Contact the retailer: If you suspect a brushing scam and the package appears to come from Amazon, reach out to Amazon Customer Service. They take these reports seriously and will take appropriate action. If the package appears to come from another company, contact them directly through their official website.
2. Return the package: If the package has a return address and remains unopened, mark it as “Return to Sender” and USPS will return it at no cost to you.
3. Do not pay for unordered merchandise: Under no circumstances should you pay for merchandise that you didn’t order. Reject any unordered packages to avoid falling victim to these scams.
4. Try to identify the sender: If possible, identify the sender of the unordered packages. Check for false reviews written in your name and request their removal.
5. Monitor your accounts: If you’re receiving numerous unordered packages, refuse package delivery at your home address and temporarily redirect your legitimate orders to a package acceptance service. Keep a close eye on your accounts for any recent orders that you didn’t make.
6. Erase your digital footprint: Take steps to reclaim your privacy by removing your personal information from various people search sites on the internet. While it’s impossible to completely erase your data, using a removal service can help automate the process and constantly monitor your information on hundreds of sites over time. Visit Cyberguy.com/Delete for tips and recommendations.
7. Have strong passwords: If you’ve fallen victim to a brushing scam, change your passwords immediately, as this means your personal information is compromised online. Check out Cyberguy.com/Passwords for the best password managers to assist you.
Although the Federal Trade Commission allows you to keep unordered merchandise legally, don’t let that distract you from the potential privacy concerns associated with it.
In conclusion, remember the saying “Not all that glitters is gold.” While receiving unexpected gifts may seem fortunate, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and understand the hidden risks. These scams serve as a reminder of the importance of online privacy. As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, protecting personal information becomes increasingly vital. Approach unexpected events with caution and skepticism, especially when it involves your personal information.
In the face of such scams, take a proactive approach by utilizing resources to safeguard your data, regularly updating your passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication for added protection. However, awareness is always your most powerful tool.
So, the next time an unexpected package arrives at your doorstep, will you see it as a gift or a red flag? Are you prepared to safeguard your digital self in the vast realm of the internet? Let us know by contacting us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. Don’t forget to subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter at Cyberguy.com/Newsletter for more security alerts.
Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist known for his passion for technology, gear, and gadgets that enhance our lives. He contributes to Fox News and FOX Business on “FOX & Friends” every morning. If you have any tech questions, sign up for Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, story ideas, or comments at CyberGuy.com.
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