Receiving a package you never ordered may feel harmless—or even exciting—but it can be a sign of a growing online fraud tactic known as a brushing scam. These scams are subtle, confusing, and often overlooked, which is exactly why cybercriminals use them. This guide breaks down the brushing scam meaning, why these fake deliveries happen, and the essential steps you should take to protect your identity and online accounts.

What Is a Brushing Scam?

A brushing scam is a deceptive tactic where sellers send unsolicited packages to random individuals and then post fake “verified” reviews using the recipient’s name or address.

The goal is simple: artificially boost product ratings and visibility on e‑commerce platforms.

Why Your Address?

Scammers obtain addresses from leaked databases, hacked accounts, or poorly secured online stores. They don’t need your payment details—just your name and shipping address.

Key characteristics of brushing scams include:

• Unsolicited packages arriving at your doorstep
• Products you never ordered, often low‑value items
• Your name listed as the recipient despite no purchase
• No return address or vague sender information

Why Do Scammers Send Fake Packages?

Brushing scams exist because online marketplaces reward sellers with high ratings and frequent reviews. By sending cheap items to real addresses, scammers can:

• Create fake “verified purchase” reviews
• Boost product rankings and visibility
• Manipulate buyer trust and increase sales
• Build credibility for low‑quality or counterfeit products

Even though the package may seem harmless, the real danger lies in how your personal information was obtained.

Is a Brushing Scam Dangerous?

Yes—while the package itself may not harm you, the privacy risk is real. A brushing scam indicates that your personal data is circulating somewhere it shouldn’t be.

Potential risks include:

• Identity exposure to unknown sellers
• Unauthorized access to your online shopping accounts
• Future targeted scams or phishing attempts
• Increased risk of data misuse or fraud

What Should You Do If You Receive an Unsolicited Package?

If a mysterious package shows up at your door, follow these steps to stay safe:

1. Do Not Pay for It

You are not legally required to pay for items you didn’t order.

2. Do Not Return It

Returning the package may confirm your address as “active,” encouraging more scams.

3. Check Your Online Accounts

Look for suspicious activity on:

• Amazon or other e‑commerce accounts
• Email accounts linked to online shopping
• Payment methods or saved cards

4. Change Your Passwords

Use strong, unique passwords and enable two‑factor authentication.

5. Report the Scam

You can report brushing scams to:

• The e‑commerce platform involved
• Local consumer protection authorities

6. Dispose of the Item Safely

You may keep, donate, or discard the item. It is legally yours.

How to Identify a Fake Package Scam

Look for these red flags:

• Packages with no sender information
• Items that are extremely cheap or random
• Tracking numbers that don’t match any order history
• Multiple unsolicited deliveries over time

If any of these signs appear, treat the package as part of a brushing scam.

How to Protect Yourself From Brushing Scams

Strengthening your digital security is the best defense. Follow these identity protection tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account
• Enable two‑factor authentication everywhere possible
• Avoid saving card details on multiple websites
• Shop only from trusted, secure online stores
• Regularly monitor your bank and shopping accounts

These steps reduce the chances of your information being misused in future online shopping fraud attempts.

Final Thoughts: Stay Alert, Stay Protected

A brushing scam may seem harmless, but it’s a warning sign that your personal information is circulating online. By understanding how these scams work and taking proactive steps to secure your accounts, you can protect yourself from identity misuse and future fraud attempts.

If you ever receive an unexpected package, treat it as a signal—not a surprise gift.