Brushing Scams Explained: Spot Them and Stay Safe Online

Unwanted packages showing up at your door with your name on them? You may be a target of a brushing scam—an online fraud tactic that inflates seller ratings with fake “verified” purchases while exposing parts of your personal data.

What is a brushing scam?
Brushing is when sellers ship low-value items (often unrequested and cheap) to real addresses so they can post fake reviews from “verified buyers” and boost marketplace rankings.

How the scam works

• Your address and name are obtained from data leaks, brokers, or past orders.
• The seller creates a bogus order to your address and ships a small item.
• They then submit a glowing review tied to that shipment to game the platform’s algorithm.

Why you might receive mystery packages

• Past purchases on large marketplaces and third-party stores
• Data broker lists or scraped public profiles
• Address reuse across online accounts and deliveries

Risks to you

• Privacy exposure: your name, address, and possibly phone number may circulate further.
• Account risk: if scammers also have your credentials, they could place orders—watch for unauthorized purchases.
• Safety concerns: avoid ingesting or using unknown items; don’t scan QR codes or visit URLs included in the package.
• Review misuse: your identity details may be tied to fake endorsements.

What to do if you get an unsolicited package

1. Do not pay for it. In many regions (e.g., the U.S.), unordered merchandise can be kept or discarded—check local consumer rules.
2. Avoid interaction. Don’t scan QR codes, plug in devices, or follow links from the package.
3. Check your accounts. Review order histories on marketplaces (e.g., Amazon, eBay, AliExpress). Change passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
4. Monitor payment methods. Look for suspicious charges and dispute anything unfamiliar with your bank or card issuer.
5. Report it. Notify the marketplace’s customer support and your postal service or consumer protection authority about potential brushing.
6. Dispose safely. Keep, donate, or discard. Avoid using unknown food, cosmetics, or electronics.

How to reduce your chances of being targeted

• Lock down accounts: unique passwords + MFA for shopping, email, and payment apps.
• Minimize data exposure: remove your info from data broker sites and limit public profile details.
• Use safer delivery options: parcel lockers or PO boxes where possible.
• Be careful on social media: don’t post labels or order confirmations that reveal addresses or barcodes.

Frequently asked questions
Is brushing illegal? The shipments themselves may not be illegal, but fake reviews violate platform rules and may break consumer protection laws in some jurisdictions.
Do I need to return the item? Typically no—unsolicited packages generally don’t require return. Verify local regulations or platform guidance.
How do scammers benefit? Better rankings and fake social proof drive more real sales for dishonest sellers.

Bottom line
Brushing scams exploit your address to manufacture trust online. Protect your accounts, monitor your statements, report suspicious activity, and reduce your digital footprint to stay safe.

Source: WeLiveSecurity