You open your door to find an Amazon package sitting on your porch. 

Strange – you don't remember ordering anything. 

You check your account, ask family members if they sent a gift, but nothing adds up. 

The mystery package contains something random – maybe a cheap phone charger, a pack of stickers, or a pair of socks you'd never buy.

If this sounds familiar, you've likely been caught up in an Amazon brushing scam.

I've spent years researching e-commerce security issues, and brushing scams are one of the sneakier tactics crooked sellers use to game the system. 

While getting free stuff might seem like a lucky break, there's a hidden agenda that could put your personal information at risk.

What Is the Amazon Brushing Scam?

Brushing is a deceptive scheme where unscrupulous sellers send unsolicited items to real people so they can create fake verified purchase reviews under those people's names. 

The seller isn't being generous – they're manipulating Amazon's review system to boost their products artificially.

The name "brushing" reportedly originated from Chinese e-commerce practices where sellers would "brush up" their ratings through fake orders. 

The practice has since spread globally, affecting marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and more recently, platforms like Temu.

These fake orders and reviews violate Amazon's terms of service and are considered fraudulent. 

Amazon actively investigates and removes sellers caught engaging in brushing scams, but the practice persists because of the competitive advantage it provides.

How Does Brushing Work?

Let me break down how these scammers operate:

1. Obtaining personal information – Scammers get names and addresses from data breaches, public records, or purchased lists.

2. Creating fake buyer accounts – They set up new Amazon accounts using your name and address (or sometimes hijack dormant accounts).

3. Ordering their own products – The seller "purchases" their own items through these fake accounts but ships them to your real address.

4. Confirming delivery – Once the package arrives, the order becomes a "verified purchase" in Amazon's system.

5. Posting fake reviews – The seller writes glowing reviews under your name as a "verified buyer," boosting their product's ratings.

6. Repeating at scale – They do this with dozens or hundreds of addresses, artificially inflating their sales numbers and reviews.

The strangest part? 

You – the recipient – often have no idea what's happening. 

You just receive random packages you never ordered. 

The items are typically inexpensive (often under $5) because the scammer only cares about creating the verified purchase record, not the item itself.

Why Do Sellers Engage in Brushing?

You might wonder why anyone would send free products to strangers. 

Here's what motivates these sellers:

Boosting product rankings: Amazon's algorithm favors products with higher sales volumes and positive reviews. By creating fake orders, sellers can trick the system into thinking their products are popular and well-received.

Gaming the verified purchase system: Reviews from "verified purchases" carry more weight on Amazon than unverified reviews. When a package is delivered to a real address, it creates a legitimate-looking verified purchase in Amazon's system.

Building social proof: Products with lots of positive reviews are more likely to attract real buyers. Many shoppers won't consider items with few or no reviews, so brushing creates the illusion of popularity and quality.

Competitive advantage: The e-commerce world is brutally competitive. For some sellers (particularly overseas third-party vendors), sending a few cheap items is a small price to pay for the potential payoff of appearing higher in search results.

While brushing might offer short-term benefits to dishonest sellers, it's illegal and against Amazon's policies. 

When caught, sellers face account suspension, loss of selling privileges, and potential legal action for mail fraud and false advertising.

Real-Life Examples of Brushing Scams

Brushing scams aren't just theoretical – they've affected thousands of consumers. 

Here are some notable cases:

The mystery seeds of 2020: One of the most widespread brushing incidents occurred when thousands of Americans across all 50 states received unsolicited seed packets from China. Agricultural departments issued warnings not to plant these seeds due to biosecurity concerns. The USDA investigated the packages as a brushing scam used to boost online seller ratings.

Continuous deliveries: CBS News reported on an Illinois family who received dozens of unordered packages from Temu containing random items like hats and electronics. The packages kept arriving despite their attempts to stop them – a classic sign of being targeted by brushers.

Strange trinkets: Online forums are filled with similar stories – one person described receiving wireless earphones they never ordered, another got an LED light strip, and someone else found a cheap phone case in their mailbox. The common thread? None of these people ordered these items, yet they arrived addressed to them.

Porch pirate variant: In a twist on traditional brushing, some scammers send packages to addresses with the intention of stealing them back. They use strangers' addresses for deliveries and then swipe the package from the porch before the resident retrieves it. This combines brushing with theft, creating an additional risk for recipients.

These examples show that brushing can involve anything from harmless trinkets to potentially concerning items – and absolutely anyone could be targeted. 

So what does it mean if this happens to you?

Why Brushing Scams Are a Problem

You might think, "Free stuff! What's the problem?" 

But brushing scams come with several concerning implications:

Your personal information is exposed: If someone can send you packages, they have your name and address. This information likely came from a data breach or was scraped from somewhere online – meaning your data is circulating in places you didn't authorize.

Potential account compromise: Though less common, scammers might have created an Amazon account in your name or gained access to your existing account. This could mean they have your email or password credentials.

Identity theft risks: The information used for brushing could be misused elsewhere. Scammers with your personal details might attempt additional fraud or target you with phishing attempts.

Suspicious or unwanted items: Some brushing packages have contained items that raise concerns. The mysterious seed packets, for example, posed potential biosecurity risks. Other packages might contain unwelcome or inappropriate items.

False sense of security: Many victims dismiss random packages as shipping mistakes, not realizing their information has been compromised. This complacency could lead to overlooking actual breaches of your accounts.

Market-wide harm: Brushing undermines the entire online shopping ecosystem. Fake reviews make it harder for honest sellers to compete and for consumers to make informed decisions. We all lose when review systems can't be trusted.

The core issue isn't really about the free items – it's about your data and privacy being exploited without your knowledge or consent.

How to Spot a Brushing Scam

Wondering if that surprise package is part of a brushing scam? 

Here are the telltale signs:

Unexpected packages: The most obvious indicator – you receive something you definitely didn't order. (Always check with family members first to rule out gifts.)

Missing or unusual sender information: Brushing packages often have minimal sender details, or they appear to come directly from Amazon or another retailer's warehouse without a gift receipt.

Low-value or random items: Brushers typically send inexpensive, lightweight items to minimize their costs. Think small electronics accessories, cheap jewelry, seeds, stickers, or other random trinkets.

Multiple mystery deliveries: If you've received one strange package, you might get more. Brushers often use the same addresses repeatedly until they're flagged.

QR codes or instructions to act: Be especially wary of packages containing QR codes or notes asking you to scan something or visit a website. This is a newer variation meant to collect even more of your information.

The key difference between brushing and a simple misdelivery is that with brushing, your name and address are correct on the package. 

It's not a delivery mistake – you were specifically targeted.

What to Do If You Receive an Unordered Amazon Package

If you've determined you're dealing with a brushing scam, here's your action plan:

1. Report the Package to Amazon

Contact Amazon customer service to report the unsolicited package. Amazon has a specific help page for reporting brushing scams and takes these reports seriously.

You can reach Amazon through their help center by searching "report unsolicited package" or by calling their customer service line. 

Provide them with the tracking number and details about the item you received.

When reporting, ask them to check if any reviews have been posted in your name, and request their removal. 

Amazon doesn't allow brushing and will take action against sellers who engage in it.

2. Know Your Rights

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is clear on this: you have no obligation to pay for or return merchandise you didn't order. Under U.S. law, unordered items can be treated as gifts.

If anyone contacts you requesting payment or return of the items, be suspicious – legitimate companies won't ask you to pay for things you didn't order.

3. Decide What to Do with the Item

You have several options for handling the unwanted item:

• Keep it if it's useful to you – legally, it's yours.

• Donate it if it's something others might need.

• Discard it if it's unwanted.

If the item seems suspicious (like seeds, food, or unlabeled substances), consider reporting it to appropriate authorities instead of simply throwing it away. 

For example, mysterious seeds should be reported to your state's Department of Agriculture.

Importantly, never scan QR codes or visit websites mentioned in the package – these could be phishing attempts to collect more of your data (a technique called "quishing").

4. Check Your Amazon Account

Log into your Amazon account and look for any orders you don't recognize. 

While brushing typically uses separate accounts created in your name, it's worth confirming your actual account hasn't been compromised.

Review your account details to ensure your address, phone number, and payment methods haven't been altered. Remove any unfamiliar information you find.

5. Change Your Passwords

Since brushing indicates your data is "out there," it's wise to update your Amazon password and any other important account passwords as a precaution. 

Choose strong, unique passwords for each account.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Amazon account and email if you haven't already. 

This adds a crucial layer of security that can prevent unauthorized access even if someone has your password.

6. Monitor Your Financial Statements

Keep a close eye on your credit card statements, bank accounts, and credit report for unusual activity. 

While brushing itself doesn't typically involve charging the victim, the fact that your personal info is being misused means there's a chance of other types of fraud.

Consider setting up alerts for new credit inquiries or unusual charges to catch any potential identity theft quickly. 

If you're particularly concerned, you can place a fraud alert on your credit report.

7. Spread the Word

Let friends and family know about brushing scams so they can recognize the signs if it happens to them. 

Many people dismiss random packages without realizing the potential privacy implications.

You can also report the incident to consumer protection organizations like the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker or the FTC complaint center. 

These reports help authorities track the prevalence of brushing and can lead to broader investigations.

How to Protect Yourself from Brushing Scams

While you can't completely prevent someone from sending you packages, you can take steps to reduce your exposure:

Protect your personal data: Be selective about where you share your name and address online. Avoid posting your full address publicly on social media or forums.

Use unique emails: Consider using a separate email address specifically for online shopping accounts. This makes it easier to spot suspicious activity.

Monitor for data breaches: Use tools that alert you when your information appears in data breaches. Services like HaveIBeenPwned can notify you if your email is compromised.

Stay informed about scams: Follow consumer protection agencies like the FTC and BBB for alerts about new scam variations. Knowledge is your best defense.

Be skeptical of reviews: When shopping, be aware that some product reviews might be fake. Watch for generic reviews from "verified buyers" with no review history – these could be brushing-generated.

By taking these precautions, you'll be less likely to become an easy target for brushers and other scammers.

Amazon's Response to Brushing

Amazon takes brushing scams seriously and has systems in place to combat them.

They actively investigates reports of brushing and takes action against sellers who engage in this practice. 

Their policies explicitly prohibit creating fake accounts or reviews, and sellers caught brushing face suspension or permanent banning.

The company has invested in machine learning systems to detect unusual patterns that might indicate fake reviews or brushing activities, though sophisticated scammers continue to find workarounds.

When you report brushing to Amazon, they might not share the outcome of their investigation due to privacy policies, but your report helps them identify and stop fraudulent sellers.

If despite reporting, you continue receiving packages, keep reporting each incident. 

In extreme cases of persistent deliveries, you might need to escalate to postal inspectors or temporarily use an alternative shipping address for important orders.

The Bottom Line

Receiving surprise Amazon packages might seem like a stroke of luck, but it's likely part of a deceptive scheme to manipulate reviews. 

While the free items themselves are usually harmless, the fact that your information is being used without consent should raise concerns.

By understanding brushing scams, reporting incidents, and taking steps to secure your accounts, you're not just protecting yourself – you're helping preserve the integrity of online marketplaces for everyone.

Stay vigilant, secure your data, and remember: if something appears too good to be true – like mysterious free merchandise – there's probably a catch lurking behind the scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Amazon brushing scam illegal?

Yes – brushing involves fraud (fake transactions and reviews). It violates Amazon's terms of service and is illegal in many countries, including the U.S. Offenders can face penalties from the platform and potentially from law enforcement for mail fraud.

Do I have to return or pay for unsolicited items?

No. U.S. law states that you can treat unordered merchandise as a gift. You're not obligated to pay for or return items you didn't order. In fact, you shouldn't send money or return items to unknown senders.

How did the sender get my address?

Scammers likely obtained your name and address from public records, data breaches, or purchased lists. It doesn't necessarily mean your Amazon account was compromised – often they just needed a valid delivery address. Still, it indicates your information has leaked somewhere online.

I got seeds (or an item I consider suspicious) in the mail – what should I do?

Do not use, plant, or consume suspicious items. For seeds, contact your state's Department of Agriculture. For other concerning items, you might want to report to the USPS Inspection Service. Follow the general steps for brushing (report to Amazon, etc.) in addition to proper disposal guidance from authorities.

Can brushing scams lead to identity theft?

While the primary purpose of brushing is to create fake reviews, it does mean your identity has been misused to some extent. This isn't direct identity theft, but it's a warning sign your data is circulating where it shouldn't be. Take precautions like changing passwords and monitoring financial statements.

I enjoy free stuff – can I just keep getting brushing packages?

There's no way to opt-in to brushing – victims are chosen randomly. 

While free items might seem appealing, remember they're typically low-value, and more importantly, receiving them means your personal information is compromised. 

It's better to protect your data than hope for free trinkets. Plus, these scams harm the integrity of product reviews for everyone.