The USPS warns Americans of new ‘brushing’ scam, says to treat personal info ‘like cash’ — here’s what to know

If a mysterious package appears on your door, don’t assume that it is a lucky break. It may mean that your personal information has emerged.

The US Posta Service warns Americans about a rapidly growing schema, known as the “brushing” deception. A keychain may seem like a harmless delivery, such as some socks, a random kitchen device, but it is usually a red flag in which cyber criminals take over your name and address.

Worse, experts say that these plans can only be the beginning of a wider initiative to benefit from your identity or financial accounts.

How to work fraud, what it means for your data and what you need to do if you are targeted.

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What is a brushing scam?

Brushing fraud includes unwanted delivery from third -party online sellers who want to increase product ratings and visibility. These sellers send cheap, low -valuable products to real names and addresses, and then leave false “verified” reviews that often posing as buyers.

“This fraud, such as a customer household items, will occur when the US Postal Inspector Kelly McNulty receives unwanted packages with low -cost products such as household goods,” he said. KOB 4 News Albuquerque. “These packages are usually sent by online retailers or third parties using personal information that is endangered to create false transactions.”

In other words: If you buy a package that you do not order, someone can already have your data and use it for profit.

Why should you care

At first glance, a free product may not alarm. But he should.

Fraud brushing not only manipulates e-commerce platforms. They argue that your personal information, including your full name, phone number, home address and even payment information, has been engraved, sold or stolen. This is the information that tries to skip identity theft, credit fraud, identity hunting fraud or even authentication with two factors.

“It’s more than just a package, Mc McNulty warned. “Act your personal information like cash.”

Part of a bigger problem

The brushing warning warning comes as part of a wider attempt called “Project Secure Delivery olan, which was initiated by USPS in 2023 to combat crimes related to postal. Since its release, the program has led to 2,800 arrests, including over 1,200 this year, and depends on attacks on postal and postal workers.

Now, as USPs, especially as frauds are more personalized and more difficult to detect, they are trying to raise awareness about fraud tactics that directly target consumers.

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What to do if a strange package emerges

If you buy a mystery box in the mail, do not panic, but take action. Recommended by postal service and cyber security experts:

• Report: Go to USPIS.gov and prepare a report with the US mail examination service. Reporting these frauds helps federal researchers to monitor the origin and stop future events.

• Control your accounts: Check your online shopping, banking and credit card accounts for unusual fees. It is also smart to ask for a free credit report to detect a suspicious activity from Equifax, Experian or Transunion.

• Update your passwords: Even if you don’t see fraud, it is a good idea to change your passwords, especially for your E -mail, Amazon, Bank and accounts where financial or personal data are stored.

• Use a password manager: Password managers create complex, unique passwords for each account, and warehouses, which makes it difficult for the computer pirates to enter if your data is already exposed.

• Blocking: You do not have to return or review the item. In fact, doing so may confirm your address to fraudsters and lead to more unwanted delivery.

Most importantly, Do not scan any QR code in the package. These codes can lead to malicious websites that play personal data and upload malicious software or phish for sensitive information, mail employees to say.

Falling fake stamps

Fraud brushing attracts attention, while the USPS also mark another risk of fraud: fake mail.

“If you see big discounts such as 40 to 50% discount on the stamps, probably too good to be real,” McNulty said. This fake usually occurs on social media or discount sites and may cause your mail to be rejected or penalties. Always buy stamps directly from USPS or licensed retailers to stay safe.

After all

Frauds such as brushing or fake mails not only waste your time, but they can also open the door of financial and identity theft.

So, if it feels something, a strange delivery, fish discount or personal information request, don’t ignore it.

Protect yourself by treating your personal data in a way that you can handle your bank card or social security number: with careful and skepticism.

As McNulty said: “Think before you send it.”

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This article only provides information and should not be interpreted as advice. It is provided without any warranty.