Unmasking Deception: The Underbelly of Phony Reviews and Counterfeit Sales

It has been recently uncovered that online scammers are now targeting e-commerce platforms to deceive unsuspecting consumers. If you frequently shop from online marketplaces like Amazon or AliExpress, it is essential to remain cautious. A new deceptive method termed the ‘Brushing Scam’ has been gaining considerable attention. In this scheme, the scammers take advantage of buyers by fabricating reviews and boosting product ratings. This scam not only misguides the consumers but also endorses counterfeit or poor-quality products.

What is a Brushing scam?

• The concept of ‘brushing’ originated from Chinese e-commerce techniques wherein sellers artificially inflate sales figures by dispatching fake orders.
• In this type of scheme, scammers send unsolicited parcels containing inexpensive or inferior items such as costume jewelry or small gadgets to random recipients. Upon delivery, the fraudsters post positive reviews using fictitious accounts, making their offerings seem trustworthy and enhancing their visibility on the platform.

According to cybersecurity firm McAfee, brushing scams primarily aim to manipulate product rankings and deceive customers. Scammers utilize stolen or fabricated addresses to send items that recipients never purchased, creating an illusion of demand for their products.

How do Brushing Scams operate?

1. The fraudster creates a falsified account on an e-commerce platform.
2. They place an order for their merchandise using a fraudulently obtained address.
3. The recipient gets a parcel containing cheap, unsolicited products.
4. Following delivery, the fraudster writes a dishonest, favorable review under the fictitious account.
5. These reviews assist the seller in gaining authenticity and boosting sales.
6. Common items sent include low-cost gadgets, seeds, or trinkets. If you receive an unexpected parcel, it’s probably part of a brushing scam.

Risks linked to Brushing Scams

• Brushing scams can signify a larger issue – as your information may be compromised. 
• Scammers frequently acquire names and addresses through data breaches or illicit transactions. In certain instances, they might access sensitive data, leading to identity theft.

What should you do if you become a target?

• Report the unsolicited parcel to the e-commerce platform.
• Examine your online accounts for any unauthorized activities.
• Keep an eye on your credit report to identify any misuse of your personal information.

Stay alert and safeguard your information to prevent becoming a victim of these misleading schemes.

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