Brushing Scams Explained: What They Are and How to Avoid Them

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Is a Brushing Scam?

A brushing scam is a fraudulent tactic used by dishonest online sellers to artificially inflate their sales numbers and improve product ratings on e-commerce platforms. Sellers send products—often low-cost or inexpensive items—to people who never ordered them. The goal is not to sell the product but to generate a "verified purchase" on the platform, enabling the seller to leave positive reviews from fake or stolen accounts. These fake purchases help the seller’s items rank higher in search results and appear more trustworthy to genuine buyers.

For example, you might receive a small package of costume jewelry or phone accessories in the mail without having placed an order. Although it may seem like a free gift, the reality is you are part of a scam designed to boost the seller’s online reputation. This activity can also involve fake customer accounts or the misuse of stolen personal data to make the purchases appear legitimate.

Brushing scams violate marketplace rules and consumer protection laws because they mislead buyers and harm honest sellers by creating false competition.

How Does a Brushing Scam Work? (Hypothetical Example)

Understanding brushing scams becomes easier with a clear example. Suppose a seller on a popular online marketplace wants to climb the product rankings to attract more buyers. However, they have few real customers. To trick the system, they collect names and addresses—sometimes from hacked databases or purchased contact lists.

Imagine you receive an unexpected small parcel containing a pair of inexpensive earrings. You never bought or requested them. Behind the scenes, the seller has:

1. Used your address to place an order through a fake or stolen account.
2. Shipped the product to your home.
3. Posted a glowing review tied to that fake purchase.
4. Boosted their product’s sales count and rating on the platform.

The seller repeats this process, sometimes sending dozens or hundreds of packages to different people. Each package counts as a "verified sale," which improves their search rankings and lures legitimate buyers.

Because you didn’t pay or sign up for this, the scam primarily harms your privacy and potentially exposes your personal data to further misuse.

Why Do Brushing Scams Matter to You?

Brushing scams are more than just annoying because of unexpected packages—they pose real risks to your privacy and security. Your name and address can be stolen or misused, which could lead to identity theft or targeted fraud. Receiving unrequested items means your personal information might have been compromised or shared without your consent.

Additionally, brushing scams distort online marketplaces, making it difficult for consumers to trust product reviews and ratings. This can lead to poor purchasing decisions and financial loss for buyers who rely on fake positive reviews.

For sellers and buyers alike, brushing scams undermine the fairness of digital commerce. They create unfair competition by making fraudulent sellers appear successful, which can hurt honest businesses.

For you, as a recipient, it’s important to be cautious and recognize these scams to avoid further exposure and to help authorities identify and stop the practice.

What Other Terms Are Related or Often Confused with Brushing Scams?

People often mix up brushing scams with other common online frauds or deceptive practices. It helps to understand the differences:

• Fake Reviews: These are dishonest product reviews that may or may not be tied to actual purchases. Brushing scams specifically create fake purchases to legitimize the reviews.
• Phishing Scams: These scams try to trick you into giving up personal or financial information through fake emails or websites. Brushing scams involve sending physical products using your personal data.
• Fake Check Scams: These involve sending counterfeit checks to victims, often asking for money back. Brushing scams send products unsolicited, not money or checks.
• Drop Shipping: A legitimate business model where sellers ship products directly from suppliers to customers. Brushing scams misuse the shipping process by sending products without real orders.
• Identity Theft: While brushing scams don’t always steal your identity, they may use stolen personal data to place fake orders, which can be a sign your identity is at risk.

Knowing these distinctions helps you better identify brushing scams and understand what kinds of fraud require different responses.

How Can You Spot a Brushing Scam?

Recognizing a brushing scam involves paying attention to specific signs:

• Unsolicited Packages: Receiving items you never ordered or paid for is the most obvious clue.
• Small, Low-Value Items: Brushing scams usually involve inexpensive goods like jewelry, phone accessories, or beauty products.
• Unexpected Shipping Notices: If you get tracking numbers or shipping alerts for products you didn’t buy, that’s suspicious.
• Requests for Reviews: Some scammers ask recipients to leave reviews for items they never purchased. Be cautious of emails or messages prompting you to review unfamiliar products.
• Suspicious Reviews: On product pages, look for overly positive but vague reviews or many reviews posted in a short period—these may be signs of brushing.

If you experience one or more of these signs, you could be involved in a brushing scam. It’s wise to document what you receive and report it.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Brushing Scam?

If you receive an unexpected package or suspect brushing activity, follow these steps:

1. Do Not Contact the Seller Directly: Avoid replying to messages or returning the item unless instructed by the marketplace.
2. Keep Records: Save packaging, receipts, emails, or tracking information related to the package.
3. Report the Incident: Contact the online marketplace’s customer service or fraud department to report the unsolicited shipment.
4. Check Your Accounts: Review your online shopping and financial accounts for unauthorized activity or new accounts you didn’t create.
5. Change Passwords: Update passwords on your email, shopping sites, and any accounts linked to your personal information.
6. Monitor Credit Reports: Use free services like AnnualCreditReport.com to check for unusual activity or new accounts.
7. Consider Identity Theft Protection: If you suspect your information is compromised, consider enrolling in identity theft monitoring services.

By taking these actions, you help protect your information and assist platforms in shutting down fraudulent sellers.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Brushing Scams?

Preventing brushing scams requires vigilance and proactive privacy habits:

• Limit Sharing Personal Information: Be cautious when giving out your address or phone number. Only share with trusted and verified sellers.
• Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Protect your online accounts from unauthorized access.
• Review Privacy Settings: Adjust settings on social media and shopping sites to limit who can see your information.
• Be Wary of Unknown Packages: If you receive an unexpected item, check your accounts and report suspicious activity.
• Learn to Identify Scams: Educate yourself using resources like Online Scams Explained: What to Watch Out For and How to Spot a Scam Explained for Beginners.
• Report Suspicious Sellers: Help marketplaces maintain safe environments by reporting fake or suspicious sellers immediately.
• Regularly Monitor Your Credit: Keeping an eye on your credit reports helps detect misuse early.

Taking these steps strengthens your defense against brushing scams and related fraud.

Frequently asked questions

Can I be charged for items sent in a brushing scam?

Typically, no. Brushing scams involve unsolicited shipments that you did not order or pay for. However, watch out for any unexpected bills or payment requests, which could indicate a different scam.

Is it safe to keep or use items that arrive unsolicited?

While usually harmless, these items may not meet safety standards or could be contaminated. It’s safer to dispose of them unless you can verify their source and safety.

How do online marketplaces combat brushing scams?

They use algorithms and manual investigations to detect suspicious seller behavior, remove fake reviews, and suspend fraudulent accounts. Reporting suspicious packages helps their efforts.

Could brushing scams lead to identity theft?

Receiving unsolicited products might mean your personal information was misused. While brushing itself doesn’t steal your identity, it signals potential data breaches, so monitor your credit and accounts closely.

How is a brushing scam different from a phishing scam?

Brushing scams involve physical products sent without orders, while phishing scams aim to steal your information through deceptive messages or websites.

Where can I report brushing scams?

Report suspicious activity to the online marketplace and consumer protection agencies like the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.