Cyber Scam Alert! Amazon Brushing

Amazon Brushing

The Smart City team has shared several educational articles on various types of cyber scams. From tolls, to social media. But there is a new cyber scam on the rise, and this one hits closer to home.

Imagine opening your front door to find a package on your porch. The package has your name on the label. You find this strange because you didn’t order or pay for it and you weren’t expecting anything. Unfortunately, if this happens, you are the latest victim of Amazon Brushing; This unusual yet deceptive cyber scam has been growing in recent years and heats up during the summertime.

So what is Amazon Brushing?

Amazon Brushing is a type of e-commerce scam where third-party sellers send unsolicited packages to unsuspecting individuals. These items are typically lightweight and inexpensive (think: phone cases, earbuds, or beauty products). The twist? You didn’t order them—but they arrive at your doorstep anyway. Why would someone send you free stuff? It all comes down to manipulating online ratings and reviews.

Here’s how Amazon Brushing scams typically develop:

• Scammers either create fake buyer accounts or use real customers’ information sometimes or stolen from data breaches.
• Next, they place orders using your name and address, then mark the item as “delivered.” This gives them the green light to leave a glowing verified review, making their products appear more credible and boosting their sales ranking.
• The package arrives at your door, even though you never requested it. Sometimes it’s a one-time Amazon Brushing occurrence. In other cases, packages keep coming.

While getting free merchandise may seem harmless, Amazon brushing should raise several red flags to you:

• The biggest red flag is the scariest. If you are receiving packages, it means your personal information is compromised.  If someone has your name, address, and possibly your phone number or email, your data has been stolen and is being used without your permission.
• These fake reviews give dishonest sellers an unfair advantage, pushing legitimate sellers down in the rankings.
• And unfortunately, if a scammer uses your information once, they’re likely to do it again—or they may pass on your information to other cyber scammers.

Here are 5 Tips If You’re a Victim of Amazon Brushing:

If a mysterious package shows up at your door, here are the steps you should take:

Report it to Amazon immediately

• But do not try to identify the source of the order by using the QR code on the package. Instead, visit Amazon’s Customer Service page. Select “Report Unwanted Package” or chat with a representative to flag the incident.
• You can also email: stop-spoofing@amazon.com with details.
• If you feel more comfortable, you can also report the unordered package to Amazon customer service at (888) 280-4331.
• As an additional step, you can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission online.

Check Your Amazon Account

• Look for suspicious activities: unexpected orders, account changes, or reviews you didn’t write.
• Change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Consider updating your WI-FI password as well.

Monitor Your Financial Accounts

• Amazon Brushing can be a sign of identity theft. So, keep an eye on bank and credit card statements.

Don’t Feel Obligated to Keep or Use the Item

• Legally, you’re not required to keep or return unsolicited merchandise.
• If you’re unsure or uncomfortable keeping merchandise, consider donating or discarding the item.

Be Proactive

• If you start receiving multiple packages continue reporting the issue and document delivery dates.
• Use identity protection services if you suspect your personal information has been widely exposed.

Amazon brushing may seem like a harmless quirk of the digital age—but behind those random packages is a scheme built on deception, data misuse, and marketplace manipulation. If you find yourself on the receiving end, don’t ignore it. Take steps to secure your personal data, report the activity, stay informed, and tell your friends and family.