USPS Warns Consumers About “Brushing” Scams: Why You’re Getting Random Packages You Never Ordered

Have you ever received a strange package you didn’t order? Maybe it was a cheap gadget, random socks, or even seeds.

You might have brushed it off as a simple mistake, but according to the United States Postal Service (USPS), that surprise delivery could be a warning sign. It may mean you’ve become an unwitting target of a scam known as “brushing.”

The USPS recently issued a consumer alert warning Americans about this fast-growing e-commerce scheme. While the packages themselves may seem harmless, brushing scams can be a red flag for identity theft, data breaches, and manipulated online reviews.

What Is a Brushing Scam?

A brushing scam happens when a third-party seller, often based overseas, sends unordered products to your address in order to create fake customer reviews and inflate their product ratings on sites like Amazon, eBay, or Alibaba.

How do they do it?

First, a seller obtains your name and mailing address, often through a data leak or a third-party source.

Next, they ship inexpensive items to your home using your information.

Once the item is marked “delivered,” the seller creates a fake buyer account using your identity and posts a glowing five-star review.

These reviews help the seller’s products rise in search rankings, gain consumer trust, and increase sales.

In short, they’re using your name and address to create the illusion of verified customer satisfaction.

Why It’s a Problem

At first glance, it might not seem like a big deal. Who cares if you get a free phone case or pair of sunglasses? 

The real concern is how the scammers got your personal information in the first place and what they plan to do next.

If a seller has access to your name, address, phone number, email, or even partial payment information, it could mean your data has been compromised in a data breach, sold by data brokers, or pulled from unsecured online sources.

That’s where the risk escalates. Brushing scams are often a symptom of larger cybersecurity or privacy issues, and may indicate that other sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers or bank accounts, is also at risk.

What the USPS Is Saying

In its public warning, the USPS emphasized that it does not have the authority to block brushing packages from being delivered. If your name and address are on the label, they are required to deliver it, even if you never placed the order.

However, the USPS recommends the following:

Don’t Pay for or Return the Item

You are not obligated to return or pay for unordered goods.

Report It to USPS

Report the incident to the USPS Inspection Service and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

 

Make Sure You Weren’t Charged 

Check your online accounts to make sure they haven’t been charged or compromised.

 

Keep an Eye on Your Credit

Monitor your credit for any unusual activity.

 

How to Report a Brushing Scam

If you’ve received an unordered package, report the package to USPS by visiting uspis.gov/report to notify the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. You can also file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Also, check your online accounts and look for fake product reviews under your name or email on Amazon or other marketplaces. You may also want to consider a credit freeze or fraud alert if you suspect your data was stolen; this can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

 

Can You Sue Over a Brushing Scam?

While brushing scams are frustrating and sometimes scary, there’s not always a clear path to legal recourse unless your personal data was stolen or misused. In those cases, you may have grounds for a lawsuit, especially if:

• You were affected by a data breach that led to your personal information being shared.
• A retailer, website, or platform failed to safeguard your information.
• The incident resulted in financial harm, such as fraudulent charges or identity theft.

Morgan & Morgan’s class action attorneys are actively investigating privacy-related claims and consumer fraud cases. If you believe your identity has been compromised or misused in connection to a brushing scam, Morgan & Morgan may be able to help.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Companies should be held accountable for failing to protect consumer data, and victims deserve justice when their information is exploited for profit.

If you’ve been impacted by a brushing scam or suspect your personal data was involved in a breach, you can contact Morgan & Morgan for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

As the country’s largest personal injury law firm, Morgan & Morgan is uniquely equipped to take on even the biggest opponents, with over $25 billion recovered. If someone was negligent in keeping your information private and secure, take action.