{"id":207060,"date":"2025-12-09T05:00:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T13:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=207060"},"modified":"2025-12-10T10:23:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T18:23:59","slug":"how-to-protect-yourself-from-a-brushing-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/tips-tricks\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-a-brushing-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"Brushing Scams: What They Are and How to Stay Safe From Unsolicited Packages"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s an increasingly common surprise: a package shows up at your door with your name\u00a0<em>and<\/em> your address&#8230;but you never ordered it. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These unsolicited deliveries may seem harmless, but\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0often tied to a scheme called a\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">brushing\u00a0scam<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. These scams occur year-round but tend to <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pick up around the holidays<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or peak shopping seasons, when shipping volume spikes and\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0easier for suspicious packages to blend in.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Below is everything you need to\u00a0know:\u00a0how brushing\u00a0scams\u00a0work, what they mean for your personal information, and the exact steps to take if one shows up at your doorstep.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Takeaways<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A brushing\u00a0scam\u00a0is when a seller sends you an item you\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0order so they can post a fake \u201cverified purchase\u201d review under your name.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These\u00a0scams\u00a0usually involve\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">low-value items<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0like cheap\u00a0jewelry, seeds, or trinkets.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unexpected packages can signal that your\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">personal data was exposed<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in a breach or has been\u00a0purchased\u00a0illegally.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0have to return the item, but you should\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">report it<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, update your passwords, and check for suspicious activity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These\u00a0scams\u00a0increase during busy shipping periods,\u00a0including holidays.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What Is a Brushing Scam?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A brushing\u00a0scam\u00a0is when sellers send you unsolicited items so they can post fake reviews using your name,<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0boosting their product\u2019s ranking and credibility without your consent.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Brushing Scams Work<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A typical brushing\u00a0scam\u00a0looks like this:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A scammer creates or uses a seller account on a marketplace like Amazon or AliExpress.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They obtain your name and address, often through a breach, data leak, or illegal database.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They \u201corder\u201d their own product but send it to you at no cost.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once shipping confirms delivery, they post a\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fake verified review<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0under your identity to boost their seller rating.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The product gains more visibility, which drives more sales.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In one sentence:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Your delivery confirmation becomes their proof that a real customer received the item\u2014even though you never ordered it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0Called \u201cBrushing\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The term comes from e-commerce, where sellers would \u201cbrush up\u201d their sales by generating fake orders and reviews. Today, brushing\u00a0scams\u00a0are a global issue affecting major online marketplaces.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Common Items Sent in Brushing Scams<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Costume\u00a0jewelry<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Small electronics or keychain gadgets<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Random home goods<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Seeds (often unmarked)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Low-cost accessories<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the item feels random or unusually cheap, it fits the profile.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Are Brushing Scams Dangerous?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong> Personal Data Exposure<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The biggest red flag is that\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">someone had your name and address, <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and\u00a0possibly more. Brushing\u00a0scams\u00a0often follow data breaches or third-party leaks.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong> Account Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some platforms may temporarily flag or freeze your account if someone posts fake reviews under your name.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong> Misleading Products<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fake reviews inflate trust and push low-quality items higher in search results. That misleads other shoppers and props up fraudulent sellers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Potential Safety Hazards<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some unsolicited items\u2014cosmetics, supplements, electronics, or seeds\u2014may be unsafe, expired, counterfeit, or banned.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What To Do If You Receive an Unordered Package<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t\u00a0use or consume the item<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, especially cosmetics, food, or electronics.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check your marketplace account<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(Amazon, AliExpress, etc.) to confirm\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0no unauthorized order.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Report the brushing\u00a0scam<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0using the platform\u2019s built-in reporting tools.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Update your passwords<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for your shopping account and linked email.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for added security.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Monitor bank\/credit card activity<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for unusual charges.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the package came via\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">USPS<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, you can mark it \u201cReturn to sender\u201d without cost.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">How to Report a Brushing Scam on Amazon<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Log into your Amazon account.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Go to the\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Report Unsolicited Package<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0section.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Add your tracking number and package details.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amazon may take up to 10 days to investigate.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Should You Return the Package?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Generally:\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You are not legally required to return or pay for an unsolicited package. But reporting it helps platforms investigate fraudulent sellers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5402\" data-end=\"5451\"><strong data-start=\"5404\" data-end=\"5451\">How To Protect Yourself From Brushing Scams<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"5453\" data-end=\"5481\"><strong data-start=\"5457\" data-end=\"5481\">Secure Your Accounts<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"5484\" data-end=\"5530\">Update passwords and use unique credentials.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5533\" data-end=\"5569\">Turn on two-factor authentication.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5533\" data-end=\"5569\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/consumer\/en-us\/landing-page\/direct\/sem\/abt\/2025\/mdo-1280\/mcafee-plus-cl.html?tm_local_lp_ab_test_variant=mdo-1280_en-us_sem_mplus_cro_bigswing_cl&amp;csrc=google&amp;csrcl2=text-ad&amp;cctype=search&amp;ccstype=&amp;ccoe=direct&amp;ccoel2=sem&amp;affid=1485&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paidsearch&amp;utm_campaign=%5BEN-US%5D%5BSearch%5D%5BBrand%5D%20McAfeePurchase&amp;utm_content=%5Bbrand%5D%20price%20mcafee&amp;utm_term=mcafee%20subscription&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=10901605080&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACwfRA73u-xAOEPxmyvcaRo9AYOwv&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA3L_JBhAlEiwAlcWO51Hs8QuSLcCdigv6jgN9NIKv_8QhnUb5f1J1PmL9npVmbM2l5n7xxhoC4KQQAvD_BwE&amp;adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D5CA0D311E3D606CC-21A73F6DD4DBAAC6%7CMCORGID%3DA729776A5245B1590A490D44%40AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1764805003&amp;adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F\">Use security software like McAfee+ to protect your privacy and personal data<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"5571\" data-end=\"5611\"><strong data-start=\"5575\" data-end=\"5611\">Report Every Unsolicited Package<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5612\" data-end=\"5658\">This helps platforms identify abusive sellers.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5660\" data-end=\"5696\"><strong data-start=\"5664\" data-end=\"5696\">Verify Reviews Before Buying<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5697\" data-end=\"5791\">Genuine reviews mention specific details; fake ones are vague, repetitive, or overly positive.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5793\" data-end=\"5846\"><strong data-start=\"5797\" data-end=\"5846\">Stick to Well-Reviewed, Long-Standing Sellers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5847\" data-end=\"5905\">Avoid newly created storefronts with few verified reviews.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5912\" data-end=\"5947\"><strong data-start=\"5914\" data-end=\"5947\">Quick FAQ\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5949\" data-end=\"6101\"><strong data-start=\"5949\" data-end=\"6002\">Why am I receiving random packages from overseas?<\/strong><br data-start=\"6002\" data-end=\"6005\" \/>It\u2019s often part of a brushing scam where sellers need a \u201cdelivered\u201d status to post fake reviews.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6103\" data-end=\"6249\"><strong data-start=\"6103\" data-end=\"6141\">Is a brushing scam identity theft?<\/strong><br data-start=\"6141\" data-end=\"6144\" \/>Not exactly, but it does mean someone had access to your personal data, which increases your overall risk.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6251\" data-end=\"6387\"><strong data-start=\"6251\" data-end=\"6284\">Should I throw the item away?<\/strong><br data-start=\"6284\" data-end=\"6287\" \/>You can safely discard most brushing-scam items, but avoid using them and report the incident first.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6389\" data-end=\"6547\"><strong data-start=\"6389\" data-end=\"6431\">Should I worry if I get seeds or soil?<\/strong><br data-start=\"6431\" data-end=\"6434\" \/>Yes\u2014never plant or dispose of unknown seeds improperly. Report them to the USDA or your state agriculture office.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"6953\" data-end=\"6973\"><strong data-start=\"6955\" data-end=\"6973\">Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6974\" data-end=\"7331\">Brushing scams may seem like a harmless freebie, but they\u2019re a sign that your personal information was exposed and could potentially be misused.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6974\" data-end=\"7331\">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\u2019s fake review scheme.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s an increasingly common surprise: a package shows up at your door with your name\u00a0and your address&#8230;but you never ordered&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":674,"featured_media":224557,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10670,10661,13,1838,12],"tags":[],"coauthors":[3973],"class_list":["post-207060","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-tricks","category-internet-security","category-privacy-identity-protection","category-mobile-security","category-family-safety"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Brushing 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