What is a Brushing Scam? Word Definition 1 1 11 1 Mar 2, 2026 2026-03-02T10:55:10-05:00 Mar 2, 2026 2026-03-02T11:03:12-05:00 Online Threat Alerts (OTA) A brushing scam occurs when e-commerce sellers send unsolicited, low-value items (like seeds, jewelry, or trinkets) to people who did not order them. The goal is to create a fake "verified purchase" review under the recipient's name to artificially boost the seller's ratings, product rankings, and sales volume on platforms like Amazon. Brushing ScamsSign of Data Breach: The scam indicates your name, address, and sometimes phone number have been leaked or sold on the dark web.Common Items: Unsolicited items often include inexpensive items like plastic jewelry, seeds, masks, or phone accessories.Fake Reviews: Scammers use your address to place fake orders, making them appear to be genuine customers to the algorithm.Dangerous Add-ons: Sometimes, these packages may contain QR codes that lead to phishing websites, which can steal sensitive financial information or install malware.Received a PackageDo Not Scan QR Codes: If a package includes a QR code or flyer, do not scan it.Keep or Dispose of Item: Generally, you can keep or throw away the item, as you did not order it.Report the Seller: Report the unsolicited package to the e-commerce platform (e.g., Amazon) or the USPS.Monitor Accounts: Change passwords on your shopping accounts and check your credit report for unauthorized activity.