What are Brushing Scams?
What are "Brushing" Scams?
Brushing scams are a type of online fraud where sellers send unsolicited packages to individuals, often using their names and addresses, to create fake positive reviews and inflate product ratings on e-commerce platforms like Amazon. These scams are designed to make products appear more popular and legitimate than they are, boosting sales and search rankings.
How it works:
Scammers obtain your personal information (name, address, etc.) through data breaches, social media, or other illicit sources. They then use this information to create fake orders on e-commerce platforms. The seller ships a cheap or random item (sometimes just an empty box) to your address, making it appear as a legitimate "verified purchase." They then use the fake account to post glowing five-star reviews under your name, boosting the product's ratings and visibility.
Why it's dangerous:
Brushing scams indicate your personal information has been compromised, potentially exposing you to further scams and identity theft. If scammers have your data, they may use it for more serious crimes, such as financial fraud or identity theft. In addition, the fake reviews left by the scammer may deceive other consumers into buying low-quality or fraudulent products. Some scammers have even included bogus QR codes on the physical package that, if scanned, can lead to malware infections or phishing scams.
What to do if you receive a suspicious package:
- Do not pay for the merchandise. You are under no obligation to pay for unsolicited merchandise.
- Report the incident. Notify the retailer and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help them investigate and take action against the scammer.
- Do not scan QR codes.
- Secure your accounts. Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication for online shopping and financial accounts.
- Keep a close eye on your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Discard or return the package. You can choose to keep or dispose of the package. If unopened and a return address is provided, you can mark it "Return to sender."
Remember:
Brushing scams, while seemingly harmless, are a serious threat to your personal information and online security.
Staying vigilant and taking prompt action can help protect yourself from these fraudulent activities.