Online shopping has made things more convenient but has also introduced risks like the brushing scam. Have you ever received a package from Amazon that you never ordered? It might seem harmless, but these random packages are a sign of a scam that can put your personal information and your business reputation at risk. In fact, losses to online payment fraud were estimated at $44 billion in 2024, showing just how common and damaging online shopping scams have become.
For eCommerce sellers, every fake review or incident that puts customer data at risk can erode trust and impact sales. Letโs look at how brushing scams work, why theyโre a problem, and, most importantly, how you can protect your brand, your customers, and your bottom line.
What Is a Brushing Scam? Understanding the Basics
A brushing scam happens when you receive a package you didnโt orderโusually from an online marketplace like Amazon. Scammers use your name and address to create fake orders and leave five-star reviews, making their products appear more reliable. This isnโt just about getting free items. Itโs your personal information being misused.
Fake reviews on Amazon are one of the main dangers of brushing scams. These can sway buyers and hurt reputable sellers. Even one fake review can make customers lose confidence. Itโs important to understand this problem to keep yourself and your business safe.
How Does a Brushing Scam Work? Step-by-Step Breakdown
Brushing scams usually happen like this:
- Scammers get your name and address, often from leaked data or public sources.
- They buy their own products and use your information for the order so a real package is shipped.
- You get a package that you never expected, usually something small or cheap.
- The scammer posts a fake review under your name to boost their productโs reputation.
This method helps scammers improve their product rankings and build trust through fake reviews. Meanwhile, you might wonder how your personal info got out in the first place. For sellers, fake reviews can push down honest listings. If you want to keep your listings safe, see Amazon Listing Optimization and Fake Amazon Reviews for help.
Why You Might Receive Unsolicited Packages: Common Scenarios
There are a few reasons unsolicited packages show up, but most often, brushing scams are behind them. Sometimes itโs a marketing mistake or a shipping error, but if you get random items with no explanation, be on the alert. These packages are typically low-cost and unbranded.
For eCommerce sellers, this can mean that customer data has leaked or been shared. Itโs a clear warning to pay attention to your data security and keep your reputation strong. Being aware of these possibilities helps you act quickly if something is wrong.
Brushing Scam on Amazon and Other Marketplaces
Amazon isnโt the only website facing brushing scams. Other places like eBay and Walmart also experience these tactics. Scammers find weak spots in data security and review systems to boost their goods. This leads to more fake reviews, confusing shoppers and making it harder for honest sellers to compete.
If you sell on Amazon or similar marketplaces, itโs important to stay alert. You can use Amazon SEO Services and Amazon Full Account Management to help secure your store and protect your reputation.
What Happens to Your Personal Information in a Brushing Scam?
If you get caught up in a brushing scam, your name, address, and sometimes even your phone number might be exposed. Scammers use these details to make fake accounts, leave reviews, or even commit identity theft. One package isnโt always the endโyour information could now be available to more scammers.
For online sellers, this shows that customer data can also be at risk. Being vigilant about identity theft prevention is vital in keeping trust and avoiding bigger problems down the road.
The Dangers of QR Codes and Digital Traps in Scam Packages
Some scam packages might have QR codes that ask you to scan for a โspecial dealโ or โextra information.โ These can be risky. 60% of emails containing a QR code were spam in 2024, and scanning a bad code could send you to phishing websites, install viruses, or let someone access your accounts.
If you get a package you didnโt order, never scan QR codes or click any links. For eCommerce brands, letting your customers know about these tricks is a smart part of online fraud protection.
Immediate Steps to Take If Youโre Targeted by a Brushing Scam
How to Respond: What NOT to Do and Why
If you get a package you werenโt expecting, donโt send it back, donโt pay for it, and donโt get in touch with the sender. Taking these actions could confirm your information for scammers, possibly leading to more scams. Keep the package, take photos, and be ready to report it. Do not scan QR codes or type in any website printed in or on the packaging.
Staying calm and not engaging with the scammers is your best immediate defense. If you want to learn more about common scam warning signs, check out Amazon Listing Errors.
Who to Contact: Reporting Brushing Scams to Retailers and Authorities
Report the scam right away to Amazon or whichever retailer the package came from. Use their customer support or help center and give clear details like tracking numbers and a photo of the package. You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This helps authorities understand how scams operate and protects others.
If youโre a seller, quick reporting can also protect your brand. If you need help managing your Amazon account after an issue, see Amazon Full Account Management for expert guidance.
Protecting Yourself and Your Data: Actionable Strategies
Securing Your Accounts: Passwords, Two-Factor Authentication, and More
Good password management and using two-factor authentication (2FA) are important ways to stop account takeovers. A password manager can help you create strong, unique passwords for every account, and 2FA adds another level of protection by requiring a code each time you log in.
Change your passwords regularly and keep an eye out for any strange logins. For online sellers, this kind of data security is non-negotiable for fraud protection. Read more about Amazon SEO Best Practices if you want your business to stay secure and competitive at the same time.
Monitoring and Recovering from Identity Theft and Data Breaches
If you suspect information about you has been leaked, take action right away. Check your credit report for unfamiliar activity and consider putting alerts on your accounts. In the U.S., records exposed in online breaches have been tracked to Q2 2025, so these risks are ongoing.
If something seems off, reach out to your bank, credit card provider, and credit bureaus immediately. Acting fast can reduce the harm. For businesses, staying on top of this can help avoid major financial or reputational losses.
How to Remove Your Information from Data Brokers
Data brokers gather and sell personal details, making it easy for scammers to get your info. It can take time to remove your data, but itโs worth it for added privacy. Start by searching for yourself on people-search websites and follow their removal steps. Some services offer help with this process for a fee.
Online sellers should regularly check how customer data is handled and consider getting professional help for larger cleanup jobs.
Prevention Tips: Staying Safe from Brushing and Online Shopping Scams
Building Strong Online Habits: Shopping and Security Best Practices
- Buy from reliable stores and be wary of deals that seem too cheap.
- Only provide the personal information thatโs absolutely necessary.
- Choose secure payment options and donโt click on suspicious links or scan QR codes from strangers.
- Keep an eye on your accounts and credit reports for anything unusual.
For eCommerce businesses, teaching these habits to your customers protects both them and your reputation. To make things easier, find out how our team helps with Amazon PPC Audit and similar services.
Awareness and Community: How to Stay Updated and Help Others
Stay up to date on new scams by following news sites you trust and joining online groups focused on online fraud protection. Talk about scam warning signs with your connections. The more people who know, the safer everyone will be.
Conclusion
Brushing scams arenโt just an annoyanceโthey can put your privacy, finances, and business reputation at risk. By staying alert, setting up account security, and acting quickly, you can reduce these risks. As Amazon and other marketplaces keep changing, brands need more than just visibility. They need real performance that is built on trust.
At SalesDuo, our team of former Amazon experts and advanced AI technology have helped over 250 global eCommerce brands succeed on Amazon. Ready to take your business to the next level? Book your 1:1 growth call today!
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About the Author
Meet Nandita Nair, an Associate Content Writer at SalesDuo, passionate about creating impactful content that helps Amazon businesses grow and thrive. When sheโs not writing, she finds joy in listening to music, exploring art, and getting lost in the world of novels.
