We all enjoy getting packages, but when it’s a package that you were not expecting, especially when that package is from an ‘unknown sender’, it is important to proceed with caution.
OK, so you get a package from an ‘unknown sender’ and it naturally peaks your curiosity.
You open the package and you find some small, inexpensive, but cool things.
And you are left wondering, ‘Who on earth could ever be so wonderful to have sent me these cool gifts?’
Well, if your guard is down, the last thing on your mind is whether or not this is a brushing scam.
What’s a ‘brushing scam’?
Good question.
In short, a brushing scam is when you receive an unexpected package of various items, or maybe just one item, that you did not order, with no return address on the package.
The ‘sender’ is usually, but not always, a third-party international seller, and the intent is to give the impression that you are a verified buyer of the item (or items) so that the seller can then write fake reviews in your name so as to boost and inflate the products ratings and sales numbers.
But THIS is a brushing scam… with a twist.
As you rummage through the box you find a note that says something like:
‘SCAN THIS QR CODE FROM YOUR SPECIAL FRIEND’
or something similar.
The enclosed note could even say that this package is from a well known major retailer inviting you to:
‘SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR MORE FREE GIFTS’.
Adding this QR Code is the NEW TWIST to the brushing scam.
You see, scammers are a most creative bunch, they have to be, after all, the toughest job of a scammer is to penetrate your most natural innate and instinctive guards, and a great way to get a person to lower their guards, is to give that person a FREE GIFT.
If you’re not careful, and you were to scan the QR Code, you could be taken to a phishing website that could potentially steal your private and personal information, like credit card numbers, usernames, and passwords, or could download malware to your phone giving hackers full access to your device.
So the key takeaway here is this:
DON’T SCAN QR CODES FROM UNEXPECTED PACKAGES OR UNKNOWN SENDERS!
Thieves and scammers are no longer wearing ski masks and carrying weapons while approaching you yelling, ‘Put’em up’, and expecting you to raise your arms and demanding that you hand over your wallet and your valuables.
Thieves and scammers have moved online and are cunning, good-looking, and friendly, and execute creative ways for you to ‘Put’em down’, meaning your guards, and robbing you of you identity, your privacy, and your money.
So, the question is, what do you do if you receive an unexpected package?
First, don’t offer or agree to pay for any unexpected package that you receive.
Second, if the package has a ‘Return Address’ and the package is UNOPENED, you can mark the package ‘Return to Sender’ and the US Post Office will return the package at no charge to you.
Third, if you have OPENED the package and you like what is inside, keep it. By law, you may keep any UNSOLICITED MERCHANDISE and are under no obligation to return the item or pay for the item.
Fourth, if you don’t like the item, or don’t need the item, then dispose of the item… but ONLY IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
Fifth, notify the proper authorities immediately if you received anything organic such as seeds, food, or plants, or if you received a liquid or any unknown substance, and follow the instructions given by the proper authorities.
Sixth, change your passwords to your accounts as your accounts may have been compromised and closely monitor your credit cards and your credit reports.
Seven, if the ‘sender’ of the package is from a ‘REAL’ retailer, whether an ONLINE ONLY retailer, such as Amazon or eBay, or a brick and mortar store, such as Target or Walmart, and you did not order the package, head on over to that companies website and file a fraud report immediately and check for any fake reviews with your name, and if you find any, ask the company to take down those fake reviews.
Scammers are always working night and day to come up with new and improved methods to steal what is yours and invade your privacy, and make it their own, and technology is making it so very easy for these thieves and scammers to do their ‘jobs’.
You don’t have to live in fear, but we all must live aware.
Stay Safe!