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● LOW RISK

Brushing Scam

A package arrives that you never ordered. It seems harmless, even fun — but it means a seller has your name and address and is using them to post fake "verified" reviews. The free junk is not the problem; the fact that your information is out there, being used, is.

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
01

How 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
02

Warning 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
03

Real-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
04

How 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
05

What 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
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brushing Scam?

A package arrives that you never ordered. It seems harmless, even fun — but it means a seller has your name and address and is using them to post fake "verified" reviews. The free junk is not the problem; the fact that your information is out there, being used, is.

What are the warning signs of Brushing Scam?

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.

How do I protect myself from Brushing Scam?

Monitor your credit reports for unauthorized accounts. Check your bank and credit card statements. Change passwords on shopping accounts. Enable 2FA on important accounts.

What should I do if I'm a victim of Brushing Scam?

Report to Amazon/marketplace where item appears to originate. Check your Amazon/shopping accounts for unauthorized orders. Review credit reports for accounts you didn't open. Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How serious is this threat?

We rate this lower risk — but it still costs people. Reported losses: Financial loss is minimal, but indicates data compromise. Most exposed: 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, while wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report Brushing Scam?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. You should also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
  1. 01FTC: Unordered Merchandise
  2. 02BBB: Brushing Scams
Related Scams

Synthetic Identity Fraud

This one is patient and quiet. A criminal pairs your real Social Security number with a fabricated name and birthdate to build a brand-new "person," then uses it to open credit. Standard credit monitoring will not catch it, because the name is not yours. The damage can sit for years — US lenders carried $3.3 billion in exposure in 2025 alone — and a child's unused SSN is the prize.

Fake Online Store

A storefront with real-looking products and unreal prices takes your payment and either ships nothing or sends a counterfeit. Many are built fast and abandoned just as fast. Pay by credit card so you can dispute it, and be wary of a brand-new site selling brand-name goods for a fraction.

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