With the holiday season in full swing, packages are being delivered to people's doorsteps all over the country. However, police in Kitsap County, Washington are warning residents about a new scam known as "brushing." This scam involves companies sending unwanted and unordered products to people's homes in order to inflate their online reviews. As the holiday shopping season continues, it is important for people to be vigilant about any unexpected packages that may show up on their porch.
Brushing Scam: A Holiday Hazard to Watch Out For
Amidst the festive cheer of the holiday season, a deceptive practice is gaining traction – the brushing scam. This malicious tactic involves companies sending unsolicited and unordered products to people's homes with the sole purpose of boosting their online reviews.
Background
Brushing originated in China and gained popularity in recent years. Scammers create fraudulent accounts on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and order low-value items in bulk. They then ship these items to unsuspecting individuals, often using fake tracking numbers.
How Brushing Works
Scammers target individuals who have recently left positive reviews on other products. By sending similar items, they hope to encourage the recipients to leave positive reviews for their own products, thus artificially inflating their ratings.
The products sent are typically inexpensive and of poor quality. They often arrive in plain packaging with no return address or contact information.
Risks to Consumers
While brushing may seem harmless at first glance, it poses several risks to consumers:
Top 5 FAQs on Brushing
Q1: How can I spot a brushing scam? A: Look for packages with no return address or contact information, unmarked packaging, and products that you did not order.
Q2: What should I do if I receive an unwanted package? A: Do not open the package or leave it unattended. Contact the e-commerce platform where you believe the order originated and report it as a brushing scam.
Q3: Can I get in trouble for receiving a brushed package? A: No. You are not responsible for unsolicited items that you did not order.
Q4: What measures are law enforcement taking against brushing? A: Law enforcement agencies are investigating brushing scams and have made arrests in some cases.
Q5: How can I protect myself from brushing? A: Avoid leaving positive reviews for products you have not used. Be wary of unsolicited packages and report any suspicious ones to the e-commerce platform and law enforcement.
Conclusion
As the holiday season progresses, it is crucial to be vigilant about brushing scams. Remember to be wary of unexpected packages and take immediate action if you receive one. By working together, consumers and law enforcement can combat this deceptive practice and ensure the integrity of online marketplaces.
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