How can receiving merchandise you didn’t order and didn’t pay for be a scam? To most people getting free things in the mail sounds like a dream come true. While the person who receives the products may or may not be directly victimized, this practice, called “brushing”, is indeed a scam and is not victimless.
Here’s what happens: A vendor wants to create sales volume and reviews for a product, often one they are selling on Amazon.com. First, they set up fake accounts using the names and addresses of real people. Next they use those fake accounts to place orders for their product, shipping them to the real people. The vendor can then use the fake accounts to place glowing reviews for their products.
The scammer may even send something other than the item they are going to review. For example, many people have reported receiving odd packets of seeds from China. All the scammer needs is a tracking number to verify that a package was delivered, and they can submit a “verified” review.
In rare cases a victim’s account may be compromised, but typically they do not access the victim’s real account and, if a fake account is used, the victim will not be charged for the product(s). So, what is the problem? FoolProofMe.org points out two issues:
- These fake reviews may encourage customers to buy junk. Those customers could include you. Many of us rely (at least in part) on online reviews when we are shopping. If the reviews are fake, we can waste our money on worthless products. That is why fake reviews are against the terms of service of retail platforms such as Amazon.
- Your name, address and potentially other personal information are out there and being used by other people. Why does it matter, you ask? Well, consider this: Where did they get your information?
- Did they buy your personal data from a marketer? What other personal data is being sold?
- Did they get it through a hack? What other information do they know about you?
IDTheftCenter.org says that if you receive items you did not order you should contact the retailer immediately. Also, change your passwords just in case the scammer has gained access to your account.
What should you do with the unsolicited merchandise you receive? According to the FTC, you may keep unordered items or dispose of them as you wish. You are not obligated to pay for them or return them.
