If you’re someone who relies on online reviews to make purchasing decisions, it’s time to be cautious. A new scam called ‘brushing’ is making its way through popular e-commerce platforms like Amazon and AliExpress, targeting unsuspecting shoppers like you. The scam involves fraudsters sending random, unwanted packages to people—items you never ordered—and using them to create fake reviews. These reviews make low-quality or counterfeit products appear better than they actually are, tricking other buyers into purchasing them.
The term ‘brushing’ comes from Chinese e-commerce, where sellers artificially inflate their sales by creating fake orders and sending random products to people. This tactic makes the product seem more popular, leading other customers to assume it’s highly rated. In reality, these products may be of poor quality or even fake.
What is a Brushing Scam?
In a brushing scam, scammers utilize stolen or fake addresses to send inexpensive items, like jewellery, seeds, or cheap gadgets, to random individuals. Once the product is delivered, they post fake reviews to enhance the seller’s rating and increase the product’s visibility on the platform. If you receive a package you didn’t order, it’s likely part of a brushing scam. While it may seem harmless, these unsolicited deliveries can be a sign that your personal information has been compromised.
To protect yourself, consider using platforms like Looffers.com, where you can find genuine reviews and deals curated specifically for you. By being informed and vigilant, you can safeguard your online shopping experiences and make smarter purchasing decisions.
Stay alert, shop smart, and remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
