What might seem like a free package might be a sign that you’re being targeted by scammers. The so-called “Brushing Scam” is just one more way that people are losing money and putting their personal information in the hands of thieves. How does it work?
Winnebago County authorities describe what they’ve been experiencing. They say a package you never ordered arrives at your door. Upon opening it, there’s either nothing at all, or something of little or no value, and although your name and address are on the label, there’s no clear sender and that’s a problem. It likely means that your personal information is either at risk or has already been stolen, and if it wasn’t yet, it probably will be if you scan the QR code on the package. That would take you to the scammer’s website where your identity might be used to post a “verified buyer” review either of the contents or something completely unrelated, prompting even more people to enter the scam site or make a worthless purchase.
The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office advises that you should report the package to the delivery service. Do NOT scan the QR code, and begin monitoring your accounts for suspicious activity.
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