What Everyone Needs to Know About Brushing Scams: Protecting Yourself from the Unknown

In today's digital landscape, scams are evolving, and one particularly deceptive scheme is brushing. Imagine receiving a package of items you didn't order while a fraudulent seller uses your information to boost their online reputation. This is the unsettling reality of brushing scams. Let’s explore what brushing scams are, how they operate, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself.

What Are Brushing Scams?

Brushing scams occur when a scammer sends products to individuals without their knowledge or consent. Typically, these products are inexpensive items like small gadgets, fake plants, or novelty toys. The scammer's endgame is to create false positive reviews that enhance their store's credibility on platforms like Amazon or eBay.

Here's how it usually works: scammers access personal data from data breaches or public databases, then use this information to place small orders. For instance, a person may receive a package of a low-cost phone holder or a pair of novelty socks they never ordered. Once the items are shipped, the scammer creates fake accounts to submit glowing reviews of the products, misleading potential buyers and artificially inflating their ratings.

Close-up of various low-cost products such as gadgets and fake plants — A random package addressed to the homeowner

How Does Brushing Work?

Brushing scams can be confusing, but they rely on a few simple tactics:

Acquiring Personal Information: Many scammers collect names, addresses, and phone numbers from data breaches or through online research. A 2022 study showed that over 60% of consumers have had their information exposed in some form of a breach.
Sending Random Items: Scammers ship random, low-cost items to victims. This approach minimizes their costs while maximizing the potential for fake reviews.
Generating Fake Reviews: After the shipment, they create fake accounts to post positive feedback. Research indicates that around 17% of reviews on e-commerce sites may be fraudulent, highlighting how common this manipulation is.

Recognizing the Signs of a Brushing Scam

Being aware of the signs can help you spot brushing scams before they become a problem. Here are a few common indicators:

Receiving Unordered Items: If you receive a product you didn’t order, it could be a sign of a brushing scam, especially if there's no clear sender information.
Fake Reviews: Watch for products that have many overly optimistic reviews. If the feedback seems generic or repetitive, it might be a result of manipulation.
Suspicious Shipping Details: Check the tracking info and sender’s name. If it does not match your expected shipments, investigate further.

How to Protect Yourself from Brushing Scams

While brushing scams can be daunting, following some simple steps can help you stay safe:

1. Monitor Your Packages

Keep track of your online orders. If you receive something unexpected, report it to your delivery provider or the retailer involved.

2. Regularly Check Your Online Accounts

Log in to your online shopping accounts periodically. Look for any unfamiliar orders or reviews. If anything seems off, change your passwords and set up two-factor authentication for added security.

3. Be Careful with Personal Information

Limit the personal information you share on the internet, such as your address and phone number. The less data you expose, the lower the chances of being targeted.

4. Report Any Suspicious Activity

If you suspect you’ve been caught up in a brushing scam, report it to local authorities and the e-commerce platform involved. This not only helps your case but also assists in wider community awareness.

High angle view of a collection of suspicious packages on a doorstep — Packages that are potentially part of a brushing scam.

5. Stay Informed About Scams

The more you know about brushing and other scams, the better equipped you'll be to protect yourself. Follow news and updates on consumer safety to stay ahead of potential threats.

What to Do If You Are a Victim

If you believe you are a victim of a brushing scam, follow these steps:

Do Not Engage: Avoid returning any items, as this could provide the scammers with further information about you.
Contact Your Bank: If you suspect your financial information has been compromised, reach out to your bank to ensure your accounts are secure.
File a Complaint: Report your experience with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the consumer protection agency relevant to your area.
Share Your Experience: Inform friends and family about your encounter with a brushing scam. Your awareness can help them recognize similar threats.

Staying Alert to Brushing Scams

Brushing scams shine a light on some of the less trustworthy practices in the world of e-commerce. However, by staying alert and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself from these deceptive tactics. Knowledge, awareness, and vigilance are your best defenses against becoming an unwitting victim.

Eye-level view of a “Beware” sign in a neighborhood — A cautionary sign warning about scams in the community.

Staying informed can help you navigate online shopping safely and avoid scams designed to exploit unsuspecting consumers.