Few things rival the excitement of receiving a package at your door. Whether it’s a jacket you ordered or a thoughtful gift, unboxing something new is a little thrill. But what happens when you receive a package you didn’t order? No gift receipt, no sender information, and your friends and family have no clue either. This mysterious delivery could mean you’ve been targeted by a brushing scam.
What Is a Brushing Scam?
Brushing scams occur when scammers send unsolicited packages to people using their names and addresses. Here’s how it works:
- Fraudulent sellers purchase their own products using real names and addresses they’ve obtained.
- They then “ship” the items to these unsuspecting recipients.
- Once the delivery is confirmed, the scammers leave fake, verified reviews under the recipient's name, artificially boosting their product rankings and reputation.
The items sent are usually inexpensive and easy to ship, like phone accessories, cheap gadgets, or household items. While it might seem harmless, this practice gives unethical sellers an unfair advantage in online marketplaces.
Why You Should Be Concerned
Under federal law, if you receive an unsolicited package, you’re not obligated to pay for it, and the item is legally yours to keep. But as the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch”—or in this case, free delivery.
Receiving a brushing scam package could indicate that your personal information, like your name and address, has been compromised. Scammers often gather this data from public records or data breaches. Beyond the immediate annoyance, this raises concerns about potential identity theft and fraud.
What to Do If You’re Targeted
If you suspect you’re a victim of a brushing scam, take the following steps to protect your information:
1. Report It to the Retailer
Contact the online retailer where the item originated. Reporting the incident allows the platform to investigate the fraudulent seller and remove fake reviews associated with your name.
2. Update Your Passwords
Change passwords for any online accounts that may have been compromised. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
3. Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and credit reports for unusual activity. If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately to your bank or credit bureau. Consider placing a credit freeze to prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
Stay Vigilant and Secure
Brushing scams are a sneaky way for fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting individuals to boost their business. But by staying alert and practicing strong cybersecurity habits, you can minimize your risk and safeguard your personal information.
If you’ve received an unexpected package, don’t brush it off—take action to protect yourself. Remember, the best defense against fraud is vigilance.
If you do not currently have an IT provider or would like a second opinion on your network security, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to serve you in the Niagara Region and Simcoe County, 24/7/365.
Niagara: 905-228-4809
Barrie: 705-885-0993
Email: help@b4networks.ca
