NJ authorities are alerting residents to an evolving scam called a “brushing scam,” which has been reported across the country.
What Is a Brushing Scam?
The scam involves receiving unsolicited packages containing items such as jewelry or electronics from online retailers like Amazon. The recipient’s address is on the package, but there is no information about the sender. Often, the package includes a QR code, which scammers urge recipients to scan to “identify the sender.”
Police warn that scanning the QR code could lead to compromised personal and financial information. However, consumer protection experts, including Snopes, have noted that while brushing scams are real, some claims about their risks may be overstated.
According to Snopes, simply scanning a QR code does not automatically grant scammers access to a victim’s device or sensitive data. Scammers typically require further steps, such as inputting personal information, to exploit their targets.
Brushing scams often involve fake orders placed by third-party sellers to inflate product reviews or bolster seller ratings on platforms like Amazon. While victims are not typically billed for the items, experts recommend not engaging with the QR code or any associated requests.
If you receive an unsolicited package, authorities suggest keeping or discarding the item but avoiding interaction with any additional instructions. Residents who believe they have been targeted by a brushing scam or have concerns about potential identity theft should contact their local police or report the incident to consumer protection agencies.
Officials remind residents to remain vigilant and verify the legitimacy of unexpected deliveries, particularly during the holiday season when package shipments increase.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.