THE FRAUD CODEXSCAM DETECTION
LOW RISK

Brushing Scam

Receiving unsolicited packages you didn't order — sellers use your address to create fake "verified purchases" for fake reviews, but indicates your data has been compromised.

Losses: Financial loss is minimal, but indicates data compromise
Targets: Random individuals whose information is in data breaches
Updated: 2026-01-07
Also known as: Unsolicited Package Scam • Fake Review Scam • Mystery Package

1How It Works

You receive packages you never ordered, often cheap items like seeds, jewelry, or phone accessories. **Why it happens:** 1. Sellers (often on Amazon or other marketplaces) want to boost reviews 2. They create fake accounts and need "verified purchase" reviews 3. They use leaked names/addresses to ship cheap items 4. Then post 5-star reviews from fake accounts showing "verified purchase" 5. You're not charged — they pay with their own money **Why it matters:** While you're not losing money, this indicates: - Your name and address are in a data breach or being sold - Scammers have some of your personal information - You should check for more serious misuse of your data **Not to be confused with:** Packages addressed to previous residents or wrong deliveries (legitimate mistakes)

How Scammers Make Contact

Physical mail/packages

2Warning Signs & Red Flags

  • Receiving packages you didn't order
  • Items are cheap (seeds, trinkets, accessories)
  • No return address or foreign sender
  • Your name and address are correct but you didn't order
  • Happens repeatedly over time
  • Items don't match anything on your purchase history

3Real-World Example

"I kept receiving small packages from China — phone cases, cheap jewelry, random electronics. I never ordered any of it. I found fake Amazon reviews under my name for products I'd never bought. Someone was using my address to make their fake reviews look legitimate."

— Better Business Bureau Investigation

4How to Protect Yourself

  • Monitor your credit reports for unauthorized accounts
  • Check your bank and credit card statements
  • Change passwords on shopping accounts
  • Enable 2FA on important accounts
  • Check haveibeenpwned.com for data breaches
  • Report to the marketplace (Amazon, eBay, etc.)
  • You can keep the items — it's legal under FTC rules

5What To Do If You're a Victim

  1. 1Report to Amazon/marketplace where item appears to originate
  2. 2Check your Amazon/shopping accounts for unauthorized orders
  3. 3Review credit reports for accounts you didn't open
  4. 4Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  5. 5Consider a credit freeze as precaution
  6. 6You don't need to pay for or return unsolicited items
  7. 7If items are seeds, report to USDA (potential invasive species)

Report This Scam

FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft

?Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brushing Scam?

Receiving unsolicited packages you didn't order — sellers use your address to create fake "verified purchases" for fake reviews, but indicates your data has been compromised. You receive packages you never ordered, often cheap items like seeds, jewelry, or phone accessories. **Why it happens:** 1. Sellers (often on Amazon or other marketplaces) want to boost reviews 2. They create fake accounts and need "verified purchase" reviews 3. They use leaked names/addresses to s...

How common is this type of scam?

Brushing Scam is classified as a low risk threat. Reported losses: Financial loss is minimal, but indicates data compromise. This primarily targets Random individuals whose information is in data breaches.

Can I get my money back?

Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report this?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.

Sources & References

FTC: Unordered MerchandiseBBB: Brushing Scams

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