KITSAP COUNTY– From Dead finches in backyards to face masks mysteriously appearing on Kitsap County residents’ doorsteps, something “BOGUS” going on all around. All this has become part of the ongoing COVID-19 crises.
A clear statement was issued by the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) on clients’ description that they have received boxes loaded with the product on their doorsteps reportedly marked from Amazon and other retailers.
The Better Business Bureau, on August 3’rd, In the year of our Lord 2020, stated in a report that, “Often, the items received are lightweight and inexpensive to ship, such as ping pong balls, or more recently, face masks or seeds from China.”
The Better Business Bureau further writes that “The fact that someone was able to have the items sent to you as if you purchased them shows that they probably have some of your personal information such as your name, address, and possibly, your phone number.”
This fraud is called “Brushing,” (In case you are wondering, here is what brushing is — Brushing is a deceitful technique sometimes used in e-commerce to boost a seller’s ratings by creating fake orders.) and just because it deals with different products, the fraudster’s aims are comparatively identical.
Brushing also escalates the digits stated on a company’s financial recordings fascinating the survey of investors and market regulators. For example, the US Securities and Exchange Commission unrolled a probe to investigate their data’s validity when Alibaba reported revenue of more than $14 billion on Singles’ Day.
Another instance: In July 2019, clients were given the warning to be careful of undesired and unrequested Amazon merchandise following the claims of Clients receiving products they never ever requested or ordered as part of such brushing fraud. Clients who claimed they have been tricked by such fraudulent schemes were directed to inform the retailer as soon as possible they were also directed to change their password and possibly utilize credit-monitoring services.
The Better Business Bureau reported that another common aspect of “brushing” scams involves “porch” piracy.
The Better Business Bureau further stated that “There are instances where thieves use other people’s mailing addresses and accounts, then watch for the delivery of the package, so they can steal it from the door before the resident gets it.”
The Better Business Bureau encourages clients in Kitsap County who have been a victim of brushing to immediately contact Amazon Customer Service to report fraudulent purchases and change account passwords.