If you’re an Amazon customer, beware of a new online shopping scam that involves receiving surprise merchandise at your doorstep without your consent. The scam, known as the brushing scam, has led to numerous individuals across the UK receiving Suzhichou scarves they never ordered, according to consumer rights group Which?.
The scam works by fraudulent sellers using online marketplaces such as Amazon to place phony orders for their own merchandise. They then ship low-quality items to random addresses, like the unsuspecting receivers of the scammed scarves, and post a fake five-star review to artificially increase their seller ratings. This boosts their search rankings, potentially luring in even more buyers who’ll assume their products are highly rated.
But the worst part is that the dodgy sellers may have acquired your personal information without your knowledge or consent. This information may have been gathered in several ways, including data leaks, publicly available sources, and prior online purchases.
If you suspect you may have fallen victim to the brushing scam, report it to Amazon using their online form. And be wary of any unsolicited merchandise that shows up at your door.
