Australians are being sent unsolicited parcels as part of a new scam that sees them unpacking strange items such as torn fabric and stuffed animals.
A new scam called “brushing”, in which people randomly receive worthless items that they did not purchase, has been reported extensively in recent weeks.
The package usually contains a QR code, which the user scans out of curiosity and is directed to a fraudulent delivery website.
Another reason to accept packages is because scammers use them as “proof of delivery” to write fake reviews about their business in the real recipient's name and increase the retailer's profile.
Social media groups have been flooded with reports about this scam in recent weeks.
One recipient, who lives in Alexandria in Sydney's inner west, said he received a notification from Australia Post before the item arrived.
The package was in a pink bag and contained scraps of fabric.
“I had no expectations so I didn't know what to expect,” the poster wrote.
“Does anyone know if this is what I need to report, what could potentially happen, or why this happened?” Funny!
The package states it came from a PO Box in Dingley Village, Victoria, Australia, and many others have reported the same.
“I got the same thing delivered to me this morning! It's like a sock but with a hole in it. So weird! Yes, from Dingley too,” one person replied.
Other posters reported receiving smelly rags, stuffed animals, pillows, and even flower petals.
One Reddit poster wrote: “It was weird because I had received an email from Oathpost saying the package had been delivered.”
“It had my full name, address and number written on it.”
Amazon has posted a warning about brushing scams on its website and says third-party sellers prohibit brushing scams.
“If a customer receives a package they did not order, it may be a scam, sometimes referred to as 'brushing,'” Amazon says on its website.
“'Brushing' fraud occurs when malicious parties send packages to publicly available names and addresses.
“If you receive a package you didn't order, make sure it's not a gift. Check with friends and family and report it to our investigation team using our self-service form.”
ACCC deputy chairwoman Catriona Lowe said parcel fraud always increases around the Christmas period.
“Many Australians will be waiting for their parcels to be delivered after the pre-Christmas and Boxing Day sales, and we have no doubt that fraudsters will be looking to take advantage of this,” ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said. said.
“Our advice to consumers is to never click on links within a text message or email, even if you are expecting a delivery. Instead, consumers should never click on links within a text message or email, even if they are expecting a delivery. You must independently check the delivery status by visiting the scheduled delivery service.
In 2023, Australians lost $1.6 billion to fraud, a 13% decrease on the previous year.
