Community Chat

[Carmie]

Here is a pic of the envelope and contents.  I covered up the address with a small recipe card.  You can see how small the items are.

[Carmie]

@Desertdi   I'll trade you the mini logos for the comb.  At least you received something useful.

[Luv2Dnce]

I wouldn't open any package that I wasn't expecting. I would bring it right back to the post office or where I received it from. Years ago they were lacing mail with anthrax.  A lot of people got very ill or passed away when this happened. I would not touch, use or give away any of the items.  if it's a package from Amazon and it has an odd item in it, I would notify them right away and tell them you didn't get the item you ordered or you didn't order that item.  Let them come and pick it up and make a note on your account.

You should make it a frequent habit of checking your credit cards because this information can be stolen at any given time. Also sign up with all the credit bureaus and have the accounts locked, so that no one can make purchases or apply for loans without your authority.

[wilma]

Found this info online:

A brushing scam occurs when unscrupulous third-party sellers send you cheap, unsolicited packages to fraudulently boost their product ratings. Your delivery confirmation acts as proof of a "verified purchase," allowing the scammer to write glowing fake reviews under your name. 

How the Scheme Works

Data Acquisition: Scammers obtain your name and address from previous data breaches or illicit online databases. 

The Fake Order: The seller "purchases" their own product through an e-commerce platform like Amazon or eBay, routing the shipment to your address.

The Brushing: Once the tracking number shows the package is delivered, the scammer’s system logs a "verified buyer" status, allowing them to post a fake, glowing five-star review in your name

The Goal: Inflated review scores and sales volumes trick real shoppers into buying the scammer's low-quality or counterfeit products. 

The Hidden Risks

While getting "free" items may seem harmless, these packages are warning signs of larger issues:

Compromised Data: Someone has your personal information, which means it could be used for other types of identity theft or future scams. 

Phishing/Quishing: Packages often include business cards with QR codes that prompt you to scan them. Scanning these can send you to malicious phishing websites designed to steal your bank details or personal data. 

What to Do If It Happens

Keep or Discard: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you are legally entitled to keep or throw away any unsolicited merchandise; you do not have to return it. 

Do Not Scan: Avoid scanning any QR codes or visiting websites listed on packing slips inside the box. 

Check Your Accounts: Since your address was leaked, keep a close eye on your credit reports and online accounts for any suspicious activity.

Report It: Report the incident to the platform the package came from

[occasionalrain]

I get those every few months, usually cell phone cases. They're  nice cases, but since they don't fit my phone, I donate them. None are addressed to me personally, just my address. It has been going on for a couple of years with no harm to my credit cards.

[RescueLover]

@Carmie 🌸


Do You think it had something to do with the company that Your husband ordered the garden tools from and he got sunglasses instead ?

[haddon9]

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@Carmie wrote:

Yesterday, my husband received a small 6"x4" padded envelope at our front stoop delivered by UPS.

It was addressed to him...name and address was accurate.

When he opened it up, there were a handful of mini LEGO-like pieces in there.  No paperwork included. No QR codes to scan.

We have no idea who sent it or why.  The return address was in NJ.  Anyone else ever get anything like this?

I told him to carefully watch his credit cards statements to make sure it's not a scam he has to pay for.

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@Carmie I was just watching a video about this scam.   Yes it's from NJ and a person named "Davve". Sorry but I can't remember what they said except do NOT scan a QR code.  They can get a hold of the information on your phone.  You said that there isn't any code.  They did say that if you get one you will likely get another.

[shoekitty]

@haddon9   I guess I am an idiot today..but I don't understand any  of these two scams. Can you explain the purpose?  Not sure I understood post maybe. Do people order something, then get junk, and are charged?   Or is it one recieves a package they didn't order, then what?  Clueless here. I havent had any packages like this.  I have recieved  packages that were sent to me by QVC that were some else's order. With no invoice, nothing inside. But there is return address.   Also, Nordies did this once a while back.  .  

[haddon9]

@shoekitty I only just heard about this myself.  According to the video that I saw, if you recive a package and there is a QR code somewhere don't scan it.  Some people will because they are curious about why the package was sent. 

However scammers have devious ways of getting your information (I have no idea how this works) if you can the code.

[Carmie]

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@RescueLover wrote:

@Carmie🌸


Do You think it had something to do with the company that Your husband ordered the garden tools from and he got sunglasses instead ?

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No, the seller was in China.  This doesn't appear to have been sent from China.  And, that was quite a while ago.