Mystery Parcels Signal Rising Brushing Fraud Across England
UK households face growing risks from a sophisticated brushing scam, where unsolicited packages arrive without any order placed. Security experts highlight this fraud’s surge, urging vigilance against unexpected deliveries.
How the Brushing Scam Operates
Fraudsters exploit stolen personal information to dispatch low-cost products to victims’ addresses. They first register a bogus buyer account using the target’s name, enabling them to post seemingly authentic ‘verified purchase’ reviews. These counterfeit endorsements, often compensated, elevate product rankings on major platforms.
Oliver Devane, a security specialist at McAfee, explains that platforms require delivery confirmation for verified reviews. “If it is some little toy that you give to your child, you’ve got no idea of the quality … which is a risk in itself. You have no idea where it came from and what it contains,” he warns.
Platforms and Tactics Involved
The scam thrives on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Temu. High-rated items with numerous reviews dominate search results, drawing more clicks and sales. Scammers target inexpensive, mass-produced goods—such as children’s clothing or dishwashing cloths—sold at markup after fake praise boosts visibility.
Victims report receiving daily shipments of substandard items, mirroring experiences shared online where poorly crafted products garnered suspiciously positive feedback.
