This is a message from Val McPherson Chair of Princes Risborough and District NW Association.

Happy New Year to everyone.

I would like to make you all aware of a Brushing Scam as one of my Coordinator's informed me that a member was potential a target for this type of scam within our area.

A "brushing" scam is when someone receives an unexpected gift or item not ordered in the mail from a place like Amazon or other companies. Examples of gifts include, rings, bracelets, necklaces, Bluetooth speaker, toys etc. 

The gift will have the recipient's address but not include the sender's information or be from a known retailer. Sometimes it will have a QR Code inside the package. Do not scan it as it will take you to a fake website or download an app where the scammer is then able to gain your personal details.

If the item was delivered by Amazon or E-bay then contact their Customer Services.

 Brushing scams typically work like this:

The scammer obtains a person’s name and address. This can be through data breaches, public directories, or even social media.

They  use these details to create fake accounts on e-commerce platforms where they sell their own products.

Next they place orders for their own products, using these fake accounts. They pay for the orders themselves, often using either stolen card details or other illegal means.

 In order to make the scam appear legitimate, the scammer ships the product to the unsuspecting recipient.

After the packages have been delivered, the scammer then writes positive reviews on their own seller accounts, using the recipient's name. This helps to boost their ratings and increase their visibility on the platform, in the hope of bringing about genuine sales.

If you receive any package you have not ordered report it immediately . You can call the police on 101, or message us using Live Chat on our website, or  call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Keep safe everyone.

 Val