Beware of Mystery Parcels: New 'Brushing' Fraud Scam Soars in UK
Receiving a mystery parcel could be a clear sign that your personal details have been hacked, according to online security experts. This alarming trend, known as "brushing" fraud, is on the rise across Britain, posing significant risks to consumers.
How the Scam Works
Fraudsters obtain stolen personal information, often through data breaches, to send out unsolicited products to unsuspecting recipients. They then create fake online accounts in your name on shopping platforms, posting verified positive reviews for the items you received. These five-star reviews artificially boost the seller's online ranking and credibility, potentially increasing their sales. Oliver Devane from McAfee explains that sending goods is necessary to verify purchases and reviews, which are often paid for by the scammers.
Potential Dangers
While it might seem like a victimless crime, brushing fraud highlights that your data has been compromised. It also introduces risks such as receiving harmful products like substandard toys or cosmetics. Devane warns, "If it is some little toy that you give to your child, you have no idea of the quality or where it came from, which is a risk in itself." In some cases, parcels may contain QR codes or USB sticks that install malware on devices, leading to further data theft.
What to Do If You Receive a Mystery Parcel
- Do not use or consume the contents, as they may be dangerous or of poor quality.
- Check your online accounts for any unauthorized orders and report the incident to the marketplace it originated from.
- Change passwords on your shopping accounts and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Avoid returning the item to the retailer, as this could trigger more scams; instead, dispose of it after reporting.
Amazon and other platforms prohibit third-party sellers from sending unsolicited packages and provide reporting mechanisms for such cases. Identifying and reporting fake reviews in your name can help shopping sites take action against fraudulent sellers.
This scam often peaks during busy shopping periods, but parcels can arrive at any time, containing items like cheap jewellery, key chains, or homeware. Stay vigilant to protect your personal information and avoid falling prey to this growing threat.
