Aussie warns of bizarre scam after receiving random package in the mail

Commenters on social media initially thought it may have been a joke. But, it turns out the truth is far more sinister.

Aussies are being warned against a common scam, as one local reported receiving an unknown object in the mail.

The scam, known as ‘brushing’ isn’t as uncommon as you might think. Now, the ACCC has stepped in to tell you how to deal with it.

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Image: Reddit.

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“What’s the scam?”

An Aussie man has taken to Reddit after receiving a package he didn’t order in the mail.

The man said that nothing of merit was written on the postage slip they came in, leading him to wonder where they came from, and how they got to him.

“Received these two strange plastic objects in the mail that I did not order,” the poster said.

“Mail was domestic with tracking with not return address? What are they? Google lens says anti-snore dilators? What’s the scam? Phone number is clearly a fake ‘0400000000’.”

Commenters were quick to point out that the objects were anti-snore plugs, meant to keep your nostrils from collapsing while you’re asleep - leading many to think it may have just been a hint from someone nearby.

“Anti snore? It’s your wife sending you a message,” one commenter said.

“Or neighbour?” another joked.

“This could be the hint. Sleep apnoea is a thing,” said a third.

But, it quickly became clear that the issue was far more serious, and was instead a brushing scam.

What is brushing?

According to a National Anti-Scam Centre spokesperson, run by the ACCC, brushing is a scam which involves unsuspecting members of the public being sent random packages, primarily in order for a website to generate 'verified' fake reviews.

"‘Brushing’ is a technique used by unethical online retailers to add legitimacy or overinflate their popularity. They create fake customer profiles on their retail store with randomly selected but real delivery addresses. They then use these profiles to purchase low value items (such as seeds) from their selling profile on the marketplace," the spokesperson told Kidspot.

"This allows them to increase the number of orders listed on their profile (some platforms indicate volume of transactions the merchant is involved with through different coloured stars next to the merchant’s profile), increase the customer satisfaction rating on their profile, [and] write fake favourable reviews on digital marketplaces that only allow reviews to be placed with proof that an item has been sent.

"This combination can also improve the seller’s prominence in search engine results on a marketplace."

All kinds of websites can engage in brushing - particularly those which have third-party sellers.

Amazon, for one, has a page on their website detailing when and how one should report an act of brushing.

“Amazon investigates reports of ‘brushing’ and takes the appropriate action against bad actors that violate our policies,” their website says.

“Amazon may suspend or remove selling privileges, withhold payments, and work with law enforcement during investigations.”

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Is it that big of an issue?

Whilst, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre spokesperson, accurate brushing volumes are difficult to identify as most consumers are not familiar with the term, there was another incident in December last year where Aussies were sent bizarre parcels as part of a brushing scam.

One recipient in Alexandria in Sydney’s inner west said they received a notification from Australia Post before the item arrived.

The package came in a pink bag and contained bits of fabric.

“I wasn’t sure what it was as I wasn’t expecting anything,” the poster wrote at the time. 

The package said it came from a PO Box in Dingley Village in Victoria, with many others reporting the same.

“I had the same delivered to me this morning! It was like socks but with holes in them. So weird! And yes from Dingley too,” one person replied.

Other posters reported receiving stinky rags, stuffed toys, pillows and even flower petals.

What can I do?

For anyone now worried about being a victim of brushing, don't be! The National Anti-Scam Centre has a few pieces of advice to help you avoid it - or how to deal with it if it happens to you.

When purchasing products online, search for independent reviews on the seller rather than relying on the reviews on their own website. Use secure payment methods which offer purchase protections such as credit cards and PayPal when shopping online.

If you are concerned that your personal information has been stolen or mis-used, Report Cyber offers comprehensive advice on steps you can take to recover. IDCARE also provides free and confidential support for people living in Australia and New Zealand who have been impacted by scams and identity crimes. You can contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160.

Originally published as Aussie warns of bizarre scam after receiving random package in the mail