Amazon Warns of “Brushing” Scam Currently Hitting Hawaii

As reported, Amazon has recently expanded its operations in Hawaii with the opening of a $200 million delivery station at Sand Island – and scammers have wasted no time to prey on consumers.

There is an “Amazon looking” scam also known as a “Brushing Scam” that is going around the islands.  From Amazon’s website: A brushing scam occurs when a company sends a product to you using your name and address, and then creates fake reviews to boost sales. The packages are often sent from China and don’t have a return address. Amazon doesn’t allow brushing, so they will investigate and try to prevent the seller from listing their products on Amazon.

Here’s the gist of the scheme:

• People are getting “Amazon” packages sent to them.  They may or may not be from Amazon.  Either way, they are delivered in envelopes with the Amazon Smile logo and return addresses may even to back to Amazon.
• People are getting a small item inside (some examples are flashlights, luggage tags, thumb drives, etc.)
• With the package and item is a card enclosed with a QR code and/or a website where you can “find out who sent you this item” by just logging into site and providing a few bits of information.
• Some of the gathered information is used to create a fake “you” review of an item on the Amazon website OR worse….
• Software is being installed on hard/drives and/or information is being used to scam others.
• Either way, please watch out, do not engage and if necessary, report the information to Amazon.

Additional WARNING:  If you or someone you know receives one of these packages and there is some item that might need to be plugged into your computer (the thumb drive or similar) DO NOT use the item! Recycle the item appropriately and report if necessary.

reportascam@amazon.com
Attach the suspicious communication as an email. Amazon may not respond directly to your report, but you may receive an automatic confirmation email.

Information from Amazon’s website:

Report Unsolicited Packages or Brushing Scams: Third-party sellers are prohibited from sending unsolicited packages to customers. If you receive a package that you did not order and is not a gift, report it immediately.

When you receive a package that you didn’t order, it may be a scam called “brushing”. “Brushing” scams occur when bad actors send packages to publicly available names and addresses.

If you receive a package or item that you didn’t order, first confirm that it was not a gift that was sent to you. Check with friends and family to find out if they ordered the package. If you confirm that the package addressed to you wasn’t ordered by you or anyone you know, report the package online by going to the Report Unwanted Package form.

You can also contact Customer Service who will support you in reporting the issue to the investigations team. Please provide the following information:

• Number of unwanted packages received.
• A tracking number from at least one of the packages (found on the shipping label)
• Any additional information to assist the investigation.

If you’d like to know about return options for the package, contact Customer Service.
Amazon investigates reports of “brushing” and takes the appropriate action against bad actors that violate our policies. Amazon may suspend or remove selling privileges, withhold payments, and work with law enforcement during investigations.

You can also report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through its website. In the US, you can also report suspicious phone calls or SMS/text messages to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov