Billings, Montana – Residents of a neighborhood in southwest Billings are encountering an unusual and confusing situation as they find unexpected packages arriving at their doorsteps. This phenomenon, identified as a brushing scam by the United States Postal Inspector Service, is not only puzzling the recipients but also posing a potential threat to their online identities.
The brushing scam, as explained by John Wiegand, a Postal Inspector, involves vendors creating fake purchases of their products and sending them to random addresses. This creates the illusion of a verified purchase, which is then used to post fake positive reviews online. These reviews aim to illegitimately boost the products’ ratings and sales.
This scam is not new to Montana, having first appeared about three years ago when residents received odd packages of seeds. Now, the scam has resurfaced, leaving residents like Ivan Wiggins in the Annafeld subdivision perplexed.
Wiggins, along with other neighbors, initially mistook these packages for Christmas gifts. But upon further discussion and examination, they realized they were victims of the brushing scam. While these packages were addressed to them, they had no return address or bore the address of a retailer.
The items sent to Wiggins and others in his neighborhood were possibly internet wireless modems, as reported by those who had opened their packages. This method allows scammers to use the recipient’s name to post fake verified reviews, thus fraudulently promoting their product online.
Wiggins, cautious about the implications, chose not to open his package. He plans to send it back in the hope that this action will prevent the scammers from exploiting his identity for their gain. His concerns highlight the broader uncertainty about the consequences of engaging with these unsolicited items. “Just to give myself the best chance of them not being able to use my information,” he said. “I am not sure how it would impact if you did open it, or how that all works out, but I am not going to.”
This situation in southwest Billings serves as a cautionary tale for residents and online consumers. It underscores the importance of being vigilant about unexpected parcels and the potential for online identity misuse. As brushing scams become more sophisticated, understanding their mechanics and the precautions to take is essential for protecting one’s personal information and online presence. This incident has certainly raised awareness in the community and serves as a reminder to be wary of such deceptive practices.
