Upon receiving unsolicited packages, consumers should notify the retailer, try to contact the sender, check their online accounts for recent orders, consider changing their online account passwords, and monitor their credit reports and credit card statements.
Scammers obtain addresses for brushing scams by finding personal information online through data breaches, publicly accessible databases, or by purchasing it from marketing research companies2. They use this information to create fake accounts on e-commerce platforms, place orders, and send unsolicited packages to victims' addresses.
In brushing scams, common items sent to recipients include invisible ink pens, cheap electronics, beauty products, toys, and various household items6. Scammers often choose lightweight and inexpensive items to keep shipping costs low while creating the illusion of genuine purchases and reviews.