The Holidays are Coming and So Are Brushing Scams
It’s not even Halloween yet, but believe it or not, the holiday shopping season is coming, and it will be here before you know it. And we want to help keep you informed and safe during the upcoming holiday season. Today, our topic is Brushing Scams.
What is a Brushing Scam?
A brushing scam is a deceptive practice where a seller sends unordered items to a customer’s address. The goal is to leave positive reviews on their own online store, artificially boosting their reputation and attracting more buyers.
Brushing Scams Increase During the Holidays
The holiday season, particularly Christmas, is a peak time for online shopping. During the busiest shopping season of the year, scammers see an opportunity to exploit the surge in purchases.
Brushing scams are more prevalent during the holiday season.
As more people shop online, the chances of falling victim to scams also rise. The Christmas & Holiday season means people will buy gifts for friends and family members. And people tend to be less cautious during the most festive season. This can lead to decreased vigilance and an increased likelihood of falling for scams.
The pressure to find the perfect gift during the holiday season can make shoppers more susceptible to impulsive decisions and less likely to verify the legitimacy of sellers. Scammers often capitalize on holiday promotions and discounts to lure unsuspecting customers.
How to Protect Yourself from Brushing Scams
Before purchasing, research the seller’s reputation, and check customer reviews from multiple sources.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of sellers offering greatly discounted items.
Regularly check your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges. Most banks offer “Alert messages,” a service where you get an alert from the bank or credit card company by email or text anytime a transaction over the amount you specify is made.
If your credit card company and bank(s) offer alerts, sign up for them. Alerts can save you a lot of grief and trouble.
Report any suspicious activity to your bank or credit card company immediately.
If you receive a package from an unknown sender, be cautious about opening it. Research the sender before proceeding.
If you believe you’ve been a victim of a brushing scam, report it to the relevant online merchant or marketplace.
By being aware and learning more about brushing and scammers’ tactics, you can help protect yourself from brushing scams and enjoy a safe and happy holiday shopping season.
