USPS Warns Of New Brushing Scam Targeting Customers

In recent months, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued warnings to consumers about a deceptive practice known as a "brushing" scam. This scam involves unsolicited packages being sent to unsuspecting individuals, often containing inexpensive, low-quality items. The primary goal of these scammers is to create fake reviews and inflate the sales volume of their products on e-commerce platforms. Our analysis indicates this scam is evolving, making it crucial for everyone to stay informed and vigilant.

What is a Brushing Scam?

A brushing scam is a fraudulent activity where sellers, typically on online marketplaces, send small, inexpensive items to people who did not order them. These items are often shipped from overseas and can include things like earbuds, phone accessories, or small household goods. The sender then uses a real or stolen address to send the package, fulfilling a fictitious order on their e-commerce platform.

Why are Scammers Using Brushing?

The motivation behind brushing scams is rooted in manipulating online sales data and product ratings. By sending items to real addresses, scammers can:

• Generate Fake Reviews: They pose as verified purchasers, leaving positive reviews for their own products. This artificially boosts the product's rating and appeal.
• Increase Sales Volume: E-commerce algorithms often favor products with higher sales numbers. Brushing inflates these numbers, making the product appear more popular and driving legitimate customers to purchase it.
• Circumvent Verification: Some platforms require a verified shipment to leave a review. Brushing provides this 'proof' of purchase.

How to Identify a Brushing Scam

Recognizing the signs of a brushing scam is the first step in protecting yourself. While seemingly harmless, these scams can sometimes lead to more significant issues, such as identity theft if personal information is compromised.

Unsolicited Packages

The most obvious indicator is receiving a package you didn't order. These packages often: — Arlo Customer Service: Phone Number & Live Support

• Arrive with minimal or no sender information.
• Contain generic, low-value items.
• Are addressed to you or a former resident of your address.

Suspicious Tracking Information

If you receive a package you didn't order, and you suspect it might be part of a brushing scam, check the tracking information if available. Often, these packages are sent via untrackable international mail. If there is tracking, it might show delivery to a different location or an unusually long transit time.

Mismatched Information

Sometimes, the name or address on the package might be slightly incorrect, or it might be addressed to a previous resident. This can be a subtle sign that the sender is simply using a list of addresses for their fraudulent activity.

What to Do If You Receive a Brushing Package

Receiving an unexpected package can be confusing. Here’s what the USPS and consumer protection agencies recommend you do:

Do Not Pay or Respond

Under federal law, you are not obligated to pay for unsolicited merchandise. Do not contact the sender to complain or inquire, as this confirms your address is active and you are receiving their packages. Simply ignore the communication.

Keep or Dispose of the Item

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you have the right to keep, dispose of, or give away any unsolicited merchandise you receive. There is no legal obligation to return the items.

Report the Scam

While you can't return the items, reporting the incident is crucial. You can report brushing scams to:

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• The Better Business Bureau (BBB): Report the seller or marketplace to the BBB.
• The E-commerce Platform: If you know the platform where the seller is operating (e.g., Amazon, eBay), report the seller directly to them.
• The USPS: While the USPS doesn't typically investigate individual brushing complaints, reporting the mail fraud can help them track patterns. You can report mail fraud by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS or visiting their website.

Monitor Your Accounts

Although direct financial fraud is less common with brushing scams, it's always wise to monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity. This is especially important if you suspect your personal information might have been compromised through other means.

Protecting Yourself from Brushing Scams

Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding the nuisances and potential risks associated with brushing scams. By implementing a few proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability.

Be Cautious of Unfamiliar Online Sellers

When shopping online, especially on third-party marketplaces, be wary of sellers with very high ratings but few reviews, or sellers with suspiciously low prices. Do your due diligence before making a purchase.

Regularly Review Your Order History

Periodically check your order history on all e-commerce platforms you use. This helps you quickly spot any unauthorized or unexpected orders that might have slipped through.

Secure Your Personal Information

Be mindful of where you share your personal information. Avoid providing your address or other sensitive data to unknown websites or individuals. Always ensure you are shopping on secure, reputable websites. — Wheatland, MO Weather: Accurate Forecast & Radar

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Protect your online shopping accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This makes it much harder for scammers to access your accounts and place fraudulent orders in your name.

The Impact of Brushing Scams on Consumers and E-commerce

Brushing scams, while seemingly small-scale, have a ripple effect. For consumers, it can lead to annoyance, confusion, and a breach of trust in online marketplaces. The influx of fake reviews pollutes the online shopping environment, making it harder for legitimate consumers to make informed decisions. For e-commerce platforms, these scams undermine their integrity and require significant resources to combat. The USPS, as the primary delivery mechanism, bears the operational cost of delivering these unsolicited items.

Addressing the Root Cause

E-commerce giants are actively working to combat brushing. This includes:

• Algorithm Improvements: Developing more sophisticated algorithms to detect fraudulent review patterns and inflated sales metrics.
• Seller Verification: Enhancing verification processes for third-party sellers.
• Customer Reporting Tools: Making it easier for customers to report suspicious activity.

The Role of USPS

The USPS plays a critical role in the delivery chain. While they cannot prevent all unsolicited mail, they provide a vital channel for reporting suspicious activity. Their extensive network allows them to observe patterns of mail fraud, which can inform broader investigations by law enforcement agencies. The USPS also cooperates with e-commerce platforms to identify and address fraudulent shipping practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brushing Scams

Q1: Can I be charged for items sent through a brushing scam? A1: No. Under federal law, you cannot be charged for unsolicited merchandise you receive. The sender is responsible for the cost of sending these items.

Q2: Should I return the unsolicited package? A2: You are not required to return unsolicited packages. You can keep them, donate them, or dispose of them as you see fit. Returning them could confirm your address is active for the scammer.

Q3: How do scammers get my address? A3: Scammers can obtain addresses from various sources, including data breaches, public records, or by purchasing them from illicit sources. Sometimes, they may also get addresses from previous residents if the address has been reused.

Q4: Can brushing scams lead to identity theft? A4: While the primary goal of brushing is to generate fake reviews, the methods used to obtain addresses could be part of a broader scheme that includes identity theft. It's always best to monitor your accounts and credit reports. — Personal Injury Lawyers: Your Guide To Claims

Q5: What's the difference between brushing and other scams? A5: Brushing specifically involves sending unsolicited items to generate fake reviews and sales data. Other scams, like phishing, focus on tricking you into revealing personal information or sending money directly.

Q6: Can I keep the items if the sender tries to charge me later? A6: Yes. If you receive unsolicited merchandise and are later billed for it, you do not have to pay. You can report the seller to the FTC and the e-commerce platform.

Q7: What should I do if I suspect a seller on an e-commerce platform is using brushing? A7: Report the seller directly to the e-commerce platform where they are operating. Provide as much detail as possible, including any unsolicited packages you've received from them.

Conclusion

USPS brushing scams represent a growing concern in the digital marketplace. By understanding how these scams operate and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can avoid becoming a victim. Remember, if you receive a package you didn't order, do not pay for it and consider reporting the incident to the relevant authorities. Staying informed and vigilant is your best defense against these evolving fraudulent practices. If you've received an unsolicited package, the best course of action is to report it and then ignore it, ensuring your vigilance protects both you and the integrity of online commerce.