How Scammers Use the Brushing Scam to Trick Online Shoppers and Fake Product Reviews
How Scammers Use the Brushing Scam to Trick Online Shoppers and Fake Product Reviews
In a recent alarming case of cybercrime, it has come to light that scammers are increasingly employing a tactic known as brushing to trick online shoppers and artificially enhance product reviews on major e-commerce sites like Amazon and AliExpress. This deceptive practice involves sending unsolicited packages to unsuspecting individuals, aiming to boost the visibility and sales of inferior or counterfeit products.
The scheme typically starts when fraudsters create fake accounts on these e-commerce platforms and place orders for their own items, using stolen or fictitious addresses for shipping. These products often inexpensive gadgets, costume jewelry, or random items—are then sent to individuals who have not made any purchases. Once delivered, the scammers use the recipient’s name to post overly positive reviews, making the products seem highly rated and appealing.
The primary objective of the brushing scam is to manipulate the system by raising the product’s ratings and visibility, thereby creating a misleading impression of popularity. This can mislead potential buyers into thinking that the product is of high quality, while it may actually be a low-quality counterfeit. In some instances, these fraudulent reviews can lead to substantial sales for the dishonest sellers.
Experts have cautioned that brushing scams come with several risks. For instance, receiving unsolicited packages could indicate that someone’s personal information has been compromised. Scammers often gather names and addresses through data breaches or illegal sales of stolen data. Victims of these scams may also find their names linked to fake reviews, which can damage their online reputation.
Consumers are encouraged to stay alert and report any unexpected packages or suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. If you receive a package you didn’t order, it’s likely that you have been targeted by this fraudulent scheme.
