Brushing Scams: An Emerging Threat to Consumers This Black Friday
The Scam Unfolds
The first type of brushing scam begins when fraudsters gain access to a victim’s personal information, such as their name and home address.
How Scammers Use This Information
From there, scammers will set up an Amazon account with the victim’s information and send a package to the targeted person’s home with no return address.
Once the package is received, the scammer will ask the victim to sign for it, confirming receipt of the parcel. The scammer then writes a positive verified review for the product in the victim’s name, to improve their seller rating and drive more sales.
The QR Code Connection
Another form of the brushing scam involves a QR code. The recipient of the package is asked to register the new product or uncover who sent the package by scanning the QR code.
The Consequences of Scanning
Once the QR code is scanned, the scammer gains access to the victim’s personal and banking information.
Expert Advice
Experts are recommending that people take precautions to avoid falling victim to these scams. This includes:
- Updating passwords
- Avoiding unfamiliar QR codes
- Regularly checking bank accounts for unusual activity
Conclusion
Brushing scams are a growing threat to consumers, and it’s essential to be aware of these tactics to protect yourself. By taking simple precautions and being cautious when receiving packages and scanning QR codes, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to these scams.
FAQs
Q: What is a brushing scam?
A: A brushing scam is a type of fraud where scammers send packages to unsuspecting consumers, often with no return address, and then ask the recipient to sign for it and write a positive review.
Q: How do scammers gain access to my information?
A: Scammers may gain access to your information through various means, such as data breaches, phishing emails, or social media.
Q: What should I do if I receive a package with no return address?
A: If you receive a package with no return address, do not sign for it or scan any QR codes. Contact the sender or the shipping carrier to verify the authenticity of the package.
Q: Can I still use my QR code scanner?
A: Yes, you can still use your QR code scanner, but be cautious when scanning unfamiliar QR codes. Only scan QR codes from trusted sources, and make sure you’re scanning the code in a secure environment.
