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Brushing Scam Has Americans Confused, Receiving Packages They Didn’t Order

blank shipping box on the house porch. home delivery service
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blank shipping box on the house porch. home delivery service

It might seem like there are no downsides to a free package, but it could be a sign that someone is using your personal information for their own gain.

A new scam is making its way across the country with over 1,000 reports to the Better Business Bureau. Have you ever received a package that you didn’t order?

There’s a good chance that you were a victim of the Brushing Scam. While we don’t know the origin of the name of the scam, we do know that it involves scammers sending people packages they didn’t order. Once the package is opened there is commonly a QR code to scan or a return address and instructions.

Regional Director of the Better Business Bureau in Springfield, Missouri says how the scam is carried out has changed over time.

“Initially happening folks were, they were using, these people were using it to create fake reviews, in another person's name. Which sounds innocent. But could mean that somebody has your personal information so maybe not as innocent as one originally thought.”

If you do receive a package that you haven’t ordered Pam recommends not scanning any QR codes, protecting your identity, including using two-factor authentication, and notifying the retailer that you received an unordered package.

Copyright 2025 Four States Public Radio. To see more, visit  Four States Public Radio.

Since 2017 Fred Fletcher-Fierro has driven up Highway 171 through thunderstorms, downpours, snow, and ice storms to host KRPS’s Morning Edition. He’s also a daily reporter for the station, covering city government, elections, public safety, arts, entertainment, culture, sports and more. Fred has also spearheaded and overseen a sea change in programming for KRPS from a legacy classical station to one that airs a balance of classical, news, jazz, and cultural programming that better reflects the diverse audience of the Four States. For over two months in the fall of 2022 he worked remotely with NPR staff to relaunch krps.org to an NPR style news and information website.

In the fall of 2023 Fred was promoted to Interim General Manager and was appointed GM in Feburary of 2024.