Beware of the newest holiday scam, called “brushing”, which involves receiving an unexpected gift – something you did not order – by mail or delivery from Amazon or similar.
Examples can be inexpensive jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces or technology such as portable chargers, earphones, winter gloves, or small technology such as Bluetooth speakers.
The gift will have your address, but no identification of the sender, including that it’s from a known retailer.
When you open the package to see what it is and who sent it, there is only a QR code and the advice to scan to find out who sent you the gift.
It’s Not Your Secret Santa – It’s a Scam
Do not click the QR code.
Once the code is scanned, all the information from your phone will be in the hands of scammers.
They get all access to all the information on your phone – instantly. That means all your personal information including all your financial information.
Within moments, your bank accounts and maybe even your retirement accounts, will be drained, and the scammers still have all your contacts to add to their list of victims.
Repeat – Do not click on the QR code.
See Also
Holiday Shopping Scams to Avoid
Scam Alert: Check Your Order
Report the Scam to Amazon
If the unsolicited gift was from Amazon, it contains a tracking code Amazon can use to work with authorities to track the scammer.
This is from the Amazon website page about “brushing” scams –
Amazon investigates reports of “brushing” and takes the appropriate action against bad actors that violate its policies. Amazon may suspend or remove selling privileges, withhold payments, and work with law enforcement during investigations.
Demands for Payment
Another version of this scam is to be contacted for payment.
If the delivery company says that postage is due, inform them that you didn’t place the order and want it returned to the sender.
What to Do With the Gift
The gift can be kept or thrown away, or donated to charity.
Just do not click the QR code.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is President Emeritus of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA).
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter also is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA).
Thanks for being a follower. Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
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