A wave of mysterious parcels containing odd items like old socks, worn-out toys, and even toilet paper has left residents of Newport and Avalon Beach baffled and concerned.
These unsolicited deliveries are part of a growing online scam known as “brushing,” in which deceitful online sellers attempt to inflate their sales figures and boost their online reputation artificially.
The scam involves sending packages to unsuspecting individuals, often sourced from data breaches or publicly available information. The sellers then use these deliveries to fabricate positive reviews under the recipients’ names, creating the illusion of genuine customer satisfaction and driving up their search rankings on online platforms.
Locals have taken to social media to express their confusion and apprehension about the unsolicited packages. One resident reported receiving a parcel filled with old children’s socks and yarn, while another found a box of dirty and worn-out toys on her doorstep. Several others reported receiving cushion inserts and scraps of fabric. Return addresses on the packages often point to locations in Victoria, adding to the mystery.
Tamara Sloper-Harding, a Navy veteran and charity organiser, initially believed the package of soiled toys she received might be a donation for her work supporting orphanages in Timor Leste. However, the condition of the items quickly dispelled that notion, leaving her perplexed.
Another resident, who received a parcel of “stuffed second-hand dirty toys,” described the experience as “very odd” and “very weird.” The unsettling nature of the deliveries has prompted some residents to contact the police for advice.
Cybersecurity expert Simon Smith clarifies that “brushing” is more of a deceptive trade practice than a direct security threat. He explains that online sellers use this tactic to manipulate their perceived trustworthiness and attract more customers.
Smith advises recipients to discard the packages, comparing them to spam emails. However, he cautions that the scam highlights the potential risks of sharing personal information online, which can be exploited for more serious identity theft and fraud.
Northern Beaches Police have confirmed their awareness of the “brushing” scam reports and encourage anyone receiving suspicious parcels to contact them or Crime Stoppers. Information on cyber scams is also available on the federal government’s Scamwatch website.
Published Date 07-October-2024
