Unsolicited packages are showing up at local homes, and officials say it’s a sign your information may already be in the wrong hands.
The Better Business Bureau is alerting residents to a growing wave of “brushing scams,” a tactic where people receive packages they never ordered. The items are typically low‑cost and lightweight, but the real concern is how scammers are using local addresses to post fake “verified purchase” reviews and boost product rankings.
Scammers appear to be on the move every single day, shifting tactics and finding new ways to target residents across the region. In brushing cases, the package itself is usually harmless – but the fact that your name and address were used without permission is not.
The BBB notes that brushing scams often indicate that personal information has already been exposed through data brokers or previous breaches.
Residents should not scan any codes, call any numbers, or respond to messages connected to unexpected packages or notices. Officials recommend documenting the package, reporting it to the retailer listed on the label, and avoiding use of any items inside, especially cosmetics, supplements, electronics, or seeds.
Residents may also report brushing incidents to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker to help identify patterns in the region. If the package appears suspicious, threatening, or part of repeated unwanted deliveries, reports can also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission. Local law enforcement may be notified if the situation involves harassment or porch‑piracy attempts.
Federal law allows consumers to keep or discard unordered merchandise. However, residents are encouraged to strengthen account security, enable two‑factor authentication, and monitor for unusual activity.
Local agencies say the uptick in reports mirrors national trends, with scammers increasingly targeting smaller communities where unusual deliveries are more noticeable.
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