Image by digital designer from Pixabay
Don’t recall ordering those bacon strip bandages or that chicken harness from Amazon? Maybe you did place that order, but there’s a good chance that you didn’t. If that’s the case, then you just might have been a victim of a brushing scam, a practice that is illegal here in the United States. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a brushing scam occurs when a third-party seller, in most cases a foreign entity, sends merchandise to a person’s address and later drafts a flattering review of the product online that appears to have been offered by the recipient of the unsolicited items. The fake positive reviews posted by “verified buyers” on online marketplaces, such as Amazon, can influence people to purchase cheap and worthless items, thereby garnering a profit for the scammers. However, these seemingly harmless phony reviews are not necessarily victimless crimes. Although the victims of these brushing scams are not charged for the unwanted merchandise, they are still considered victims because their personal information, such as their name and address, has been discovered and used without their consent. These scams can also lead to multiple accounts being created in the victim’s name. Theft can also be a by-product of these brushing scams. The BBB warns that these practices can encourage “porch pirates,” who, after using another’s address and account, steal the packages soon after delivery.
What, if anything, can victims of brushing scams do? For one, they are not required to return any of the unsolicited merchandise. They can keep the items, discard the items, or return to the sender if a return address is provided. There are some other proactive steps that victims can take to protect themselves. First and foremost, victims should never pay for the unwanted items. However, they should contact the retailer to inform them of their receipt. They can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Moreover, it is wise for the victim to change any passwords that may have been associated with the compromised account. Lastly, as always, consumers, whether they have fallen victim to a brushing scam or not, should closely monitor their accounts for any unusual activity.
Did you know that February 1-5, 2021 is Identity Theft Awareness Week? In connection with its effort to educate consumers about identity theft and ways to reduce it, the FTC has some virtual events planned. Please visit the FTC’s website for more information.