We’ve all had a package show up that we forgot we ordered—but what if one arrived that you knew wasn’t yours? That’s exactly what’s happening to unsuspecting Australians, and the reason behind it is deeply concerning. At first glance, these deliveries seem harmless, but they may be part of a worrying new trend.
Authorities are now urging people to be on high alert before opening any unexpected mail.
One man’s encounter with this scam made its way to an online forum, sparking a conversation about the strange deliveries. He received two odd plastic objects in the mail, identified by Google Lens as anti-snore dilators, with a postage slip that offered no clues as to their origin. The phone number listed was ‘clearly fake,’ reading ‘0400000000.’
While some commenters on the post humorously suggested it might be a nudge from a spouse or neighbour tired of snoring, the reality was far less amusing.
Strange Objects In Mail – What’s The Scam?
by
u/Equivalent_Outside37 in
australia
The incident is far more serious—it’s a brushing scam. According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), brushing is a deceitful tactic used by unscrupulous online sellers.
These sellers create fake customer profiles and send low-value items to real addresses. They then write fake positive reviews for their products, boosting their seller ratings and visibility on online marketplaces.
This scam isn’t just about sending random items; it’s a calculated move to manipulate e-commerce platforms and deceive potential customers. It’s a global issue, with major online retailers like Amazon acknowledging the problem and outlining steps for consumers to report such incidents.
‘Amazon investigates reports of “brushing” and takes the appropriate action against bad actors that violate our policies. Amazon may suspend or remove selling privileges, withhold payments, and work with law enforcement during investigations,’ the e-commerce company stated on their website.
While the full extent of brushing in Australia is hard to measure, as many people are unaware of the scam, there have been notable instances. Last December, residents in Sydney’s inner west and other locations reported receiving inexplicable packages containing everything from holey socks, stinky rags, and bits of fabric to flower petals.
Moving forward, here’s what you can do to protect yourself and your personal information:
1. Be discerning with online reviews: Look for independent reviews of sellers rather than simply trusting those on their websites.
2. Use secure payment methods: When shopping online, opt for payment options that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or PayPal.
3. Report and seek help: If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, contact Report Cyber for guidance on recovery steps. For those affected by scams and identity crimes, IDCARE offers free and confidential support in Australia and New Zealand at 1800 595 160.
Remember, while receiving a surprise package might seem harmless, it could be a sign that your personal information is being used without your consent. Stay alert, and if you’re ever in doubt, reach out to the appropriate authorities.
We’d love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices community. Have you or someone you know encountered a brushing scam? Share your experiences in the comments below. Your story could help a fellow reader stay one step ahead of the scammers.
Also read: Pirates on your porch are real and they want your packages
But what do you do with the actual package? Open it? Don’t open it? Bin it?
Return to sender won’t work, who would pay for the postage!
But WHO is the relevant authority to report this occurrence?.