SC police issue warning about brushing. Here’s what it is & what cops say you shouldn’t do
Multiple law enforcement agencies in both the Midlands and across the U.S. recently issued warnings about a scam called brushing.
The scheme “could compromise your personal and financial information,” according to the Camden Police Department.
“Brushing its popping up all over the country,” U.S. Postal Inspector Andrea Avery said.
What is brushing?
It involves a person receiving a package that they were not expecting, the Sumter Police Department said Monday.
The package could contain random items like jewelry or electronics that the recipient didn’t order, according to Camden police. And the packages often include a QR code, claiming to provide details about the sender.
This is where law enforcement is adamant: DO NOT SCAN THE QR CODE!
“Scammers use this method to gain access to your personal and financial information through your device, potentially leading to identity theft or drained bank accounts,” Camden police said Monday.
The scammer could also post a fake positive review on their website to improve their products’ ratings, according to Avery. That could mean more money in sales for “worthless stuff” for the scammer, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said.
The scammer could also follow up with a phone call about the package in another attempt to con the recipient, Avery said.
What to do
Rather than scanning the code, the recipient is asked to report the package to the retailer to alert them of the scam.
Additionally, police suggest monitoring accounts to look for unusual activity.
As for the items that were sent, by law they are the recipient’s to keep, according to Avery.
“This happens to be that rare instance where ‘finders, keepers’ applies unconditionally,” Avery said. “If you didn’t order the package, you don’t have to return it or pay for it.”
Police also ask people to share information about brushing with friends and family to raise awareness and help chances of protection from the scam.
In the instance of a crime, always call a local law enforcement agency to report the incident.
Protect yourself from brushing
Some steps to take if you’ve been targeted in a brushing scam
▪ Don’t pay for the merchandise
▪ Return to sender
▪ Throw it away, or keep it
▪ Change your account passwords
▪ Closely monitor your credit reports and credit card bills
▪ Notify authorities
▪ Notify the retailer
SOURCE: U.S. Postal Inspection Service
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This story was originally published January 14, 2025 at 10:40 AM with the headline "SC police issue warning about brushing. Here’s what it is & what cops say you shouldn’t do."
