Imagine coming home to find a package on your doorstep. You didn’t order anything, but there it is, addressed to you. Inside is a random, low-value item, like a phone case or a bundle of seeds. This isn’t a gift from a secret admirer; it’s likely a sign you’ve been targeted in an Amazon brushing scam.
While getting free stuff might sound nice, this scam is a red flag for your personal security. The sender isn’t being generous; they’re exploiting your identity to commit fraud on a massive marketplace.
How a Brushing Scam Actually Works
Brushing scams are a deceptive practice used by unethical third-party sellers, often operating overseas. Here’s the play-by-play: First, the seller obtains your name and address. They might get this from a past data breach or by purchasing it online. Then, they create a fake Amazon order for their own product and ship a cheap item to your address. Finally, and most importantly, they pose as a verified buyer and post a glowing, five-star review for that product using your name.
This fake review helps them artificially inflate their seller ratings and climb higher in Amazon’s search results, making their product appear more popular and trustworthy than it really is.
Why Receiving Free Packages is a Problem
Even though you’re not losing money, a brushing scam is a serious privacy issue. A stranger has your correct name and home address. This personal information is in the hands of a fraudulent operation, which is a unsettling thought. It also means your data was likely compromised somewhere, and you could be at a higher risk for other forms of identity theft or phishing attempts.
Furthermore, these scams pollute the online marketplace. They make it harder for honest shoppers to find genuine products based on real customer feedback, as the review system becomes corrupted.
What to Do If You Receive an Unsolicited Package
If you get a mysterious package, your first step is to check your Amazon order history. Confirm you didn’t accidentally order it or that a family member didn’t use your account. If it’s truly unsolicited, you should report it to Amazon directly through their customer service. They have dedicated channels for brushing scam reports and take this issue seriously.
According to Amazon’s policy, you are not required to return the item. You can keep it, donate it, or dispose of it. It’s also a good idea to change your Amazon account password and enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
While a brushing scam doesn’t directly cost you money, it’s a clear signal that your personal information is circulating in the wrong places. By staying vigilant and reporting these incidents, you help protect both your own privacy and the integrity of the online shopping experience for everyone.
Leave a Reply