ALBANY — The state Division of Consumer Protection has issued a warning about a new scam that involves receiving free products through the mail so that the scammers can use your identity to write positive product reviews.
The scam might involve receiving free items, but authorities said the whole process is about gaining access to your online identity. These are known as “brushing scams,” authorities stated.
“Online shopping and frequent deliveries offer scammers the opportunity to use your personal information for unscrupulous purposes,” said Acting Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez.
“Receiving packages you did not order at your front steps does not mean it is your lucky day, but most likely, it is coming from someone using your personal information for their financial gain. Don’t fall for the brushing scams that are using you as a bait to boost their online ratings with fake information.”
According to the Division of Consumer Protection, the scammer has likely found the victim’s address online and uses their name and address to purchase a product they sell, to be delivered at the victim’s home. The victim is unaware of the product or the sale until the item is delivered to their front door.
Authorities said there is usually no return address on the package, or the return address belongs to a retailer.
Upon delivery of the product, the victim becomes a “verified buyer” on the website where the product was sold. This allows the scammer to use…
