Low riskOnline Shopping

Brushing Scam

In this scam, you receive parcels you never ordered, sent by a seller using your name and address to post fake 'verified' reviews; while the items are free, it can signal your personal details are being misused.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Low risk
Scam type
Fake-review / data-misuse scheme
Main red flag
Unexpected parcels you never ordered arrive in your name from unknown sellers.
What to do first
Do not pay anything; check your shopping accounts for unfamiliar orders or reviews.

How this scam works

In this scam, you receive parcels you never ordered, sent by a seller using your name and address to post fake 'verified' reviews; while the items are free, it can signal your personal details are being misused.

Online shopping scams use fake stores, unbelievable deals, and counterfeit or never-delivered goods to take your money and card details. Fake sites often surface through ads and social media and pressure you with limited-time offers.

In short, the giveaway is usually simple: Unexpected parcels you never ordered arrive in your name from unknown sellers. Do not pay anything; check your shopping accounts for unfamiliar orders or reviews.

Scammers rotate tactics constantly, the same operation may also run the Fake Review Scam and the QR Code Scam. See the full Online Shopping Scams guides hub, or test a suspicious message with the scam checker.

How to spot this scam

  • Parcels arriving that you never ordered
  • Items addressed to you but from unknown sellers
  • Later requests to pay a 'fee' or scan a QR code for the 'free' items
  • Reviews posted in your name that you did not write
  • Unfamiliar orders appearing in your shopping accounts

What the message looks like

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: You receive several small items you never bought, addressed to you, with no clear sender, followed later by 'fees' or QR-code 'thank you' cards asking you to scan.

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What gives it away: Unexpected parcels you never ordered arrive in your name from unknown sellers.

The scale of it

Top category
online shopping is one of the most-reported fraud categories to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that started on social media in 2023, where many fake shops advertise
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

How to protect yourself

  • Check your online shopping accounts for orders or reviews you did not make
  • Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication on those accounts
  • Report the unordered items to the relevant marketplace
  • Keep an eye on statements in case your payment details were used

Already responded? Do this now

  • If you scanned a QR code and entered details, treat it as phishing and secure those accounts
  • Watch for unexpected charges and dispute any you did not authorise
  • Review and remove any fake reviews posted in your name where possible
  • Monitor your credit and accounts for signs of identity misuse

Mistakes to avoid

  • Do not pay any 'fee' for items you never ordered
  • Do not scan unknown QR codes that arrive with the parcels
  • Do not ignore it entirely; check that your accounts are secure

Related scams to know

Low risk Online Shopping

Fake Review Scam

In this scam, fake or paid five-star reviews and fake review websites make a dishonest seller, product, or store look trustworthy, leading shoppers to buy items that are poor quality, counterfeit, or never arrive at all.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Text Message

QR Code Scam

This scam uses a malicious QR code, often a sticker over a real one or sent by text, that leads to a fake payment or login page or prompts a harmful app install.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Email

Fake Amazon Order Email

This scam emails a fake order confirmation for an expensive item, hoping you click a link or call a number to dispute a charge you never made.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Common questions

Do I have to pay for items I never ordered?
No. In most places, unordered goods can be treated as a gift and you are not obliged to pay. Be wary of any later request for a fee.
Why did this happen to me?
A seller is likely using your name and address to post fake 'verified purchase' reviews. It can mean your details are circulating, so secure your accounts.
Is it dangerous to receive these parcels?
The items themselves are usually harmless, but the scheme suggests your personal data is being misused, and any QR codes or fee requests that follow can be phishing.
What should I check first?
Log in to your shopping accounts to look for unfamiliar orders or reviews, change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and watch your statements.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.