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How to Stop Brushing on Amazon: A Comprehensive Guide

The plague of brushing scams on Amazon is a persistent thorn in the side of legitimate sellers and wary customers. Receiving unexpected packages filled with unsolicited, often useless, items can be unsettling, raising concerns about compromised personal information and manipulated seller ratings. The core strategy to stop brushing lies in actively addressing the source of the problem – preventing your data from being exposed and taking control of your Amazon account and information. Here’s a breakdown of how to combat brushing:

Monitor Your Accounts: Closely watch your Amazon account and all associated accounts (email, bank accounts, credit cards) for suspicious activity. Immediately report any unauthorized transactions or login attempts.
Secure Your Amazon Account: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This adds a critical layer of security, requiring a code from your phone or another device in addition to your password. Change your password to a strong, unique one and never reuse it across multiple platforms.
Report Suspicious Packages: Contact Amazon customer service immediately. Inform them you received unsolicited merchandise. Provide all relevant details, including the tracking number, sender information (if available), and a description of the item. Amazon takes these reports seriously and can investigate the seller.
Review Your Privacy Settings: Check your Amazon privacy settings to limit the information visible to the public. Be especially mindful of your address book and default shipping address.
Contact the Sender (Cautiously): If the package includes a return address, you could attempt to contact the sender. However, exercise extreme caution. Avoid providing any personal information beyond what’s already on the package. The sender may be part of the scam, attempting to extract more data.
Opt-Out of Marketing and Promotional Emails: Reduce the potential for your email address to be harvested by opting out of unnecessary marketing and promotional emails from Amazon and third-party sellers.
Be Vigilant About Phishing Attempts: Brushings scams can be coupled with phishing attempts. Be wary of suspicious emails or messages asking for personal information, even if they appear to be from Amazon. Always access your Amazon account directly through the official website or app.
Consider a Credit Freeze: If you suspect your personal information has been seriously compromised, consider placing a credit freeze with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This makes it harder for criminals to open new accounts in your name.
Don’t Assume It’s a Gift: Even if the item seems valuable or appealing, resist the temptation to keep it without reporting it. Accepting the item without notifying Amazon could inadvertently validate the fraudulent activity.
Document Everything: Keep records of all received packages, communication with Amazon, and any other related information. This documentation can be crucial if you need to escalate the issue or file a complaint with consumer protection agencies.
Leave an Honest Review (Cautiously): You could leave a review on the product page mentioning you received the item unsolicited. However, proceed with extreme caution. The seller may try to contact you directly or retaliate. Focus on the fact you didn’t order the item, not necessarily the product itself.
Understand the Motivation: Brushing scams inflate a seller’s perceived sales volume, which can improve their product ranking on Amazon’s search results. They might also use fake accounts to leave positive reviews for their own products, further manipulating the system. Understanding the mechanics helps you recognize and avoid these scams.

Understanding Brushing Scams

What is “Brushing” and Why Does it Happen?

Brushing is a deceptive practice where sellers send unsolicited items to people, then use the recipient’s name and address to create a fake Amazon account and leave positive reviews for their own products. This artificially inflates their sales and product ratings, boosting their visibility in Amazon’s search results. It happens because algorithms prioritize products with high sales volume and positive reviews. This manipulation gives unethical sellers an unfair advantage over legitimate businesses.

The Risks of Being a Brushing Target

Being a victim of a brushing scam isn’t just about receiving unwanted junk. It signifies a potential data breach. Your name, address, and possibly other personal information have been compromised. This information could be used for more nefarious purposes, such as identity theft or phishing attacks. The fact that your data is circulating without your consent is a serious privacy concern.

How Sellers Obtain Your Information

Sellers acquire your information through various means, including:

Data Breaches: Large-scale data breaches at other companies expose millions of records containing names, addresses, and other personal data.
Public Records: Some information, such as property records, is publicly accessible.
Compromised Websites: Hackers can compromise websites and steal user data.
Data Brokers: These companies collect and sell personal information from various sources.
Internal Theft: In rare cases, unscrupulous employees at companies with access to customer data may sell it to third parties.

FAQs: Navigating the World of Amazon Brushing Scams

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity and guidance on handling brushing scams:

What should I do with the unsolicited item I received?
Don’t throw it away immediately! Report the incident to Amazon. They may ask you to hold onto the item for a period of time in case they need to investigate. After Amazon gives you the go-ahead, you can typically keep, donate, or dispose of the item as you see fit. Avoid selling it online, as this could inadvertently support the fraudulent seller.
Will receiving a brushing package affect my credit score?
Generally, no. Receiving an unsolicited package itself won’t directly impact your credit score. However, it’s a red flag that your personal information may be compromised. Monitor your credit report for any unauthorized activity, such as new accounts opened in your name.
How can I tell if a package is part of a brushing scam?

The most obvious sign is that you didn’t order it. Other clues include a return address that seems suspicious (e.g., an abandoned warehouse, a generic PO Box, or an overseas address), a low value item you wouldn’t normally purchase, and a lack of any identifying information about the sender beyond the return address.
What information should I provide when reporting the incident to Amazon?
Be as detailed as possible. Provide the tracking number, the sender’s address (if available), a description of the item, the date you received the package, and any other relevant information. Screenshot the package and any communication you have (or don’t have) with the sender.
Does Amazon ever reimburse victims of brushing scams?
Not directly. Amazon’s primary focus is on investigating and removing the fraudulent seller. While they may not offer direct compensation for the inconvenience, reporting the incident helps them combat the problem and protect other customers.
Can I sue the seller who sent me the unsolicited item?
While technically possible, suing a seller involved in a brushing scam is often impractical. Identifying the seller can be difficult, and the cost of legal action may outweigh any potential damages. It is almost impossible to discover the seller as this information is masked. Focus your efforts on reporting the incident to Amazon and protecting your personal information.
Is there a way to prevent my address from being used in brushing scams?
Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof way to completely prevent your address from being used. However, you can minimize your risk by being cautious about sharing your information online, using strong passwords, and monitoring your accounts for suspicious activity.
What if I’m a seller and I’m being accused of brushing?
This is a serious accusation. Immediately contact Amazon Seller Support and provide documentation to prove you’re a legitimate seller. This might include invoices, supplier information, and shipping records. Be transparent and cooperative with Amazon’s investigation. If you are not brushing, providing evidence of legitimate operations is key.
What is Amazon doing to combat brushing scams?
Amazon is actively working to combat brushing scams by monitoring seller activity, investigating suspicious packages, and removing fraudulent sellers from their platform. They also use sophisticated algorithms to detect and prevent fake reviews. However, the problem persists, highlighting the ongoing challenge of policing a massive online marketplace.
Should I change my Amazon password after receiving a brushing package?
It’s a good idea, especially if you use the same password for multiple accounts. Changing your password and enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security and helps protect your account from unauthorized access.
What other steps can I take to protect my personal information online?
Be mindful of what you share on social media. Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Install a reputable antivirus program and keep it updated. Be wary of phishing scams and never click on suspicious links. Consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic.
Is brushing illegal?
Yes, in many jurisdictions. Brushing scams often violate consumer protection laws related to deceptive advertising and unfair business practices. Furthermore, using stolen or illegally obtained personal information is a criminal offense. The seller is using illegal tactics to artificially inflate their sales.