In a quiet suburb, a seemingly innocuous brown paper bag has sparked a wave of concern among residents, prompting a stern warning from local authorities about a peculiar scam that's been making the rounds.

A mysterious item left on doorsteps without explanation has left many questioning their origin and intent.

Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant as reports of similar incidents continue to surface.


Imagine the surprise and confusion when you find a toasted sandwich in a brown paper bag with a name tag reading 'Spike' left at your doorstep.

This was the reality for Nick Simpson, a Melbourne local who was at the centre of a strange and unsettling situation.


Nick recounted his experience to the TODAY show, explaining that the doorbell rang unexpectedly on a peaceful Sunday evening.

With no prior order placed, he assumed it might have been a mistaken delivery.

'I thought maybe they'd ordered some ice cream or something, but I went out and there was a delivery with the name 'Spike' written on it,' he said.


Choosing to ignore the mysterious package, Nick left the bag on his step, only to find it relocated to his front gate the following morning.

This odd occurrence raised his suspicions and prompted him and his fiancée to enhance the security around their home.

But why the worry over a simple toasted sandwich? This toastie delivery could be part of a concerning trend known as 'sweeping.'

This deceptive practice involves sending random items or packages to someone's door, items they never ordered.

It might seem harmless at first, like an Amazon delivery, but you might find nothing more than a bag of old, wrinkled clothes upon opening.


The underlying motive behind this scam is far more sinister. Authorities believe criminals use these deliveries to scope out whether anyone is home.

If the house appears unoccupied, it could present an opportunity for a break-in.

Victoria Police Detective Charlie Bezzina expressed his concern during the interview.

'It is an area of concern,' he said. 'If there's a suspicious car or person in the vicinity, get a photograph and send that to the police.'

Detective Bezzina explained the criminals' potential strategy: 'They're probably working out how to find out if anyone's home.'

'It's a legitimate cover because with Uber deliveries, if they see someone walking into a house with a paper bag of sorts, they're going to take less notice of that person, so ultimately, it just might be one of those ploys that I don't think will have much life left in it.'


This incident is a reminder that not all is as it seems, and vigilance is key.

To our dear readers, especially those who live alone or in less populated areas, please be cautious when handling unexpected deliveries.

If you encounter a similar situation, do not hesitate to contact the authorities and, if possible, document any suspicious activity.
Have you experienced anything like this? Have you received a mysterious package that left you puzzled or concerned? Please share your stories with us, and let's keep each other informed and safe from these unusual scams.