Brushing Scams Explained | Tampa Consumer Protection Attorneys

Posted By Nadine Diaz

Have you ever received a package from Amazon or another online retailer that you didn’t order? It might seem like a harmless error—or even a lucky surprise—but it could actually be a sign that you’re the target of a brushing scam. At Darrigo & Diaz, we want to keep Tampa residents informed and protected. Brushing scams are becoming increasingly common, and while they may seem low-risk on the surface, they can expose you to serious privacy violations and online fraud. In this article, we’ll explain what brushing scams are, why they happen, how to spot them, and what you should do if you receive unexpected packages.

What is a Brushing Scam?

At first, it might seem like a shipping error—or even a lucky freebie. But it’s not. It’s part of a brushing scam. In these schemes, online sellers—often from overseas—send unsolicited products to random people. Once the item is delivered, the scammer uses your name and address to post fake five-star reviews on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Walmart. The goal? To boost the seller’s credibility and product rankings without your permission. Even worse, some packages include inserts or QR codes asking you to “scan to see who sent your gift.” Do not scan it. These links can lead to malicious sites or grant scammers access to your personal information—including sensitive data on your phone or device. What feels like an odd but harmless delivery could be a red flag that your personal data has already been compromised.

How to Spot a Brushing Scam

Look out for these red flags: – Packages arrive from unfamiliar sellers or in languages you don’t recognize. – You didn’t order anything, and no one in your household did either. – Items are cheap, random, or low in value—think rubber phone cases, socks, or plastic gadgets. – The return address is vague or overseas. – The name on the package is correct, but the billing information is blank.

What Should You Do?

If you think you’ve been targeted by a brushing scam, here are a few steps to take: 1. Don’t Pay for It You are not obligated to return or pay for unsolicited merchandise. 2. Change Your Passwords Update your passwords for major retail, email, and banking accounts. Enable two-factor authentication when possible. 3. Report the Scam You can report brushing scams to: – The U.S. Postal Inspection Service https://www.uspis.gov – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – The online retailer (Amazon, eBay, Walmart, etc.) 4. Monitor Your Credit Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with one of the major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.

Need Legal Help? We’re Here to Protect You

For over 25 years, the Florida car accident attorneys at Darrigo & Diaz have fought tirelessly on behalf of Central Florida accident victims and their families. We specialize in all types of automobile accidents, including accidents involving commercial trucks, drunk drivers, motorcycles, left-hand turns, pedestrians and bicyclists. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Florida, contact us immediately through our secured contact form. Or call our office at (813) 437-5523 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and connect with an experienced and knowledgeable accident lawyer.