It’s an increasingly common surprise: a package shows up at your door with your name and your address…but you never ordered it.
These unsolicited deliveries may seem harmless, but they’re often tied to a scheme called a brushing scam. These scams occur year-round but tend to pick up around the holidays or peak shopping seasons, when shipping volume spikes and it’s easier for suspicious packages to blend in.
Below is everything you need to know: how brushing scams work, what they mean for your personal information, and the exact steps to take if one shows up at your doorstep.
What You Need to Know
- A brushing scam is when a seller sends you an item you didn’t order so they can post a fake “verified purchase” review under your name.
- These scams usually involve low-value items like cheap jewelry, seeds, or trinkets.
- Unexpected packages can signal that your personal data was exposed in a breach or has been purchased illegally.
- You don’t have to return the item, but you should report it, update your passwords, and check for suspicious activity.
- These scams increase during busy shipping periods, including holidays.
What Is a Brushing Scam?
A brushing scam is when sellers send you unsolicited items so they can post fake reviews using your name, boosting their product’s ranking and credibility without your consent.
How Brushing Scams Work
A typical brushing scam looks like this:
- A scammer creates or uses a seller account on a marketplace like Amazon or AliExpress.
- They obtain your name and address, often through a breach, data leak, or illegal database.
- They “order” their own product but send it to you at no cost.
- Once shipping confirms delivery, they post a fake verified review under your identity to boost their seller rating.
- The product gains more visibility, which drives more sales.
In one sentence: Your delivery confirmation becomes their proof that a real customer received the item—even though you never ordered it.
Why It’s Called “Brushing”
The term comes from e-commerce, where sellers would “brush up” their sales by generating fake orders and reviews. Today, brushing scams are a global issue affecting major online marketplaces.
Common Items Sent in Brushing Scams
- Costume jewelry
- Small electronics or keychain gadgets
- Random home goods
- Seeds (often unmarked)
- Low-cost accessories
If the item feels random or unusually cheap, it fits the profile.
Are Brushing Scams Dangerous?
Personal Data Exposure
The biggest red flag is that someone had your name and address, and possibly more. Brushing scams often follow data breaches or third-party leaks.
Account Risk
Some platforms may temporarily flag or freeze your account if someone posts fake reviews under your name.
Misleading Products
Fake reviews inflate trust and push low-quality items higher in search results. That misleads other shoppers and props up fraudulent sellers.
Potential Safety Hazards
Some unsolicited items—cosmetics, supplements, electronics, or seeds—may be unsafe, expired, counterfeit, or banned.
What To Do If You Receive an Unordered Package
- Don’t use or consume the item, especially cosmetics, food, or electronics.
- Check your marketplace account (Amazon, AliExpress, etc.) to confirm there’s no unauthorized order.
- Report the brushing scam using the platform’s built-in reporting tools.
- Update your passwords for your shopping account and linked email.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
- Monitor bank/credit card activity for unusual charges.
- If the package came via USPS, you can mark it “Return to sender” without cost.
How to Report a Brushing Scam on Amazon
- Log into your Amazon account.
- Go to the Report Unsolicited Package section.
- Add your tracking number and package details.
- Amazon may take up to 10 days to investigate.
Should You Return the Package?
Generally: No.
You are not legally required to return or pay for an unsolicited package. But reporting it helps platforms investigate fraudulent sellers.
How To Protect Yourself From Brushing Scams
Secure Your Accounts
Report Every Unsolicited Package
This helps platforms identify abusive sellers.
Verify Reviews Before Buying
Genuine reviews mention specific details; fake ones are vague, repetitive, or overly positive.
Stick to Well-Reviewed, Long-Standing Sellers
Avoid newly created storefronts with few verified reviews.
Quick FAQ
Why am I receiving random packages from overseas?
It’s often part of a brushing scam where sellers need a “delivered” status to post fake reviews.
Is a brushing scam identity theft?
Not exactly, but it does mean someone had access to your personal data, which increases your overall risk.
Should I throw the item away?
You can safely discard most brushing-scam items, but avoid using them and report the incident first.
Should I worry if I get seeds or soil?
Yes—never plant or dispose of unknown seeds improperly. Report them to the USDA or your state agriculture office.
Final Thoughts
Brushing scams may seem like a harmless freebie, but they’re a sign that your personal information was exposed and could potentially be misused.
Stay cautious, secure your accounts, report any unsolicited packages, and trust only reputable sellers. With simple steps, you can protect your identity, and avoid being pulled into a scammer’s fake review scheme.
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