Yesterday, Deputy Shane Henderson spoke with a Crab Orchard man over the phone who said he has been receiving mail to his address with names not associated with the residence. He said he has been putting return to sender on the mail.

He also stated he was waiting to receive a package from FedEx and when FedEx delivered a package, he didn’t pay attention to the name on it. When he opened the package, it contained 4 brand-new iPhones.

The man said the package had an unfamiliar name on it along with his address.

The man asked for a report to be completed because he was afraid someone was trying to use his address while scamming people, and that he would be sending the iPhones back.

While it is not confirmed to be, this incident may be part of a new scam making the rounds around the country known as a ‘brushing scam.’ Below is an excerpt from F&M Bank that goes over how a brushing scam works and how it’s dangerous.

How “Brushing” Scams Work:

1. Fake Orders: Scammers send real packages to your address, often inexpensive items like gadgets, beauty products, or household goods.
2. Inflated Reviews: Using your name and address, scammers create fake accounts to post 5-star reviews, boosting product ratings and deceiving other shoppers.
3. Stolen Information: Your personal data—like your name, address, or contact details—has likely been leaked or stolen.

Why It’s a Big Deal:

• Fraudulent Reviews: Scammers use your “verified purchase” as a loophole to make their products appear more trustworthy. This unfair practice misleads consumers who rely on reviews to make informed decisions.
• Compromised Data: Receiving an unexpected package is a sign your personal information is exposed. Scammers might have obtained your data through breaches, phishing scams, or data leaks.
• Bigger Risks: While brushing scams often stop at packages, they can escalate. Scammers may use your data for identity theft, unauthorized accounts, or financial fraud.

What You Should Do:

• Don’t Keep Quiet: Report the scam to the retailer (e.g., Amazon) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Check for Breaches: Review your accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity. You can check data breaches at IdentityTheft.gov.
• Protect Your Identity: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file to prevent unauthorized activity.