ALERT! New Scam Could Impact Louisiana Online Shoppers Soon

Louisiana residents are being alerted to a new "brushing" scam involving unsolicited packages from online retailers such as Temu and Amazon. This deceptive practice, which has been on the rise, involves receiving packages that were never ordered. Authorities are urging the public to be cautious and vigilant.

Scams can come in many forms, often evolving with technology and societal trends. Here are some common types of scams and how they typically operate:

• Phishing Scams
• Brushing Scams
• Impersonation Scams
• Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams
• Tech Support Scams
• Online Shopping Scams
• Romance Scams
• Investment Scams
• Employment Scams
• Charity Scams

Understanding the Brushing Scam

A brushing scam is a fraudulent activity where sellers, often based overseas, send unsolicited items to unsuspecting individuals. The goal is to boost the seller's ratings and rankings on e-commerce platforms by creating fake orders and positive reviews. These fake orders are shipped to random addresses to make them appear legitimate.

How the Scam Works

Unsolicited Packages: Recipients receive packages containing items they did not order. These items can range from inexpensive trinkets to more valuable goods.

Fake Reviews: The seller then uses the recipient's information to create a fake account and post positive reviews about their product, improving their visibility and credibility on e-commerce sites.

Personal Information Concerns: While the packages themselves are harmless, the fact that the scammers have access to personal information like names and addresses is alarming and could lead to more severe identity theft issues.

To Read More about the scam and how you can stay ahead of it, CLICK HERE to read more from CBS.