Aussies concerned about unusual 'mystery packages' flooding mailboxes
- Replies 25
As technology advances, online shopping has become a norm for many of us.
Yet, imagine heading to your mailbox and finding a package you didn't order.
For some Australians, this scenario has become a reality, but the surprise is not always a pleasant one.
Western Sydney resident Scott scratched his head in confusion after receiving a pillow he never ordered.
'When I opened it, I was completely baffled,' he said.
'I started to get worried. I hate to say it, but I wondered if it had anthrax spores or something inside it.'
However, with his full name, mobile number, and address on the package, Scott's confusion quickly turned into concern.
Scott scoured social media platforms to find other people who have experienced the same issue as him.
'I wasn't waiting on anything but thoughtlessly signed and ripped open the package. It contained nothing other than these ripped-up rags,' one comment read.
Another woman received a pair of pillows.
Scott found one common denominator among all the experiences—all packages were linked to a PO Box in Dingley Village.
But why are these packages being sent? It's all part of a brushing scam.
Cybersecurity expert Simon Smith explained that online businesses send these items out to real people to mimic legitimate transactions.
They then use the recipient's details to post positive reviews of their products on online marketplaces, effectively boosting their brand.
'It's all about misleading the public, making them look like they are getting lots of customers,' Smith said.
While the scam might seem benign, the usage of personal information without consent should be a red flag.
Australia Post has been investigating the Dingley Village PO Box since August.
Yet, the items from the said PO Box came from overseas and were not directly connected to the address.
Australia Post encouraged anyone who receives these fake deliveries to report them to the police.
'We understand these unwanted deliveries could be concerning and encourage people to report any fake deliveries to police,' Australia Post stated.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) emphasised the consumers' rights towards unsolicited items.
Customers have no obligation to pay for it and can ignore it.
While investigations are underway, Scott and victims are worried.
'What disturbs me is where exactly the scammers got my name, address, and mobile number,' he said.
This concern is valid, as brushing could be the tip of the iceberg if the information is linked to sensitive personal and financial details.
Smith advised brushing scheme victims to clean their online presence and keep their personal information secure online.
Regularly check your privacy settings on online accounts, be cautious about the information you share online, and stay vigilant for any signs of identity theft or fraud.
Have you or someone you know received a mystery package recently? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's help each other stay informed and safe both online and offline.
Yet, imagine heading to your mailbox and finding a package you didn't order.
For some Australians, this scenario has become a reality, but the surprise is not always a pleasant one.
Western Sydney resident Scott scratched his head in confusion after receiving a pillow he never ordered.
'When I opened it, I was completely baffled,' he said.
'I started to get worried. I hate to say it, but I wondered if it had anthrax spores or something inside it.'
Numerous Aussies received unsolicited parcels and packages from an unidentified source. Image Credit: Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko
However, with his full name, mobile number, and address on the package, Scott's confusion quickly turned into concern.
Scott scoured social media platforms to find other people who have experienced the same issue as him.
'I wasn't waiting on anything but thoughtlessly signed and ripped open the package. It contained nothing other than these ripped-up rags,' one comment read.
Another woman received a pair of pillows.
Scott found one common denominator among all the experiences—all packages were linked to a PO Box in Dingley Village.
But why are these packages being sent? It's all part of a brushing scam.
Cybersecurity expert Simon Smith explained that online businesses send these items out to real people to mimic legitimate transactions.
They then use the recipient's details to post positive reviews of their products on online marketplaces, effectively boosting their brand.
'It's all about misleading the public, making them look like they are getting lots of customers,' Smith said.
While the scam might seem benign, the usage of personal information without consent should be a red flag.
Australia Post has been investigating the Dingley Village PO Box since August.
Yet, the items from the said PO Box came from overseas and were not directly connected to the address.
Australia Post encouraged anyone who receives these fake deliveries to report them to the police.
'We understand these unwanted deliveries could be concerning and encourage people to report any fake deliveries to police,' Australia Post stated.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) emphasised the consumers' rights towards unsolicited items.
Customers have no obligation to pay for it and can ignore it.
While investigations are underway, Scott and victims are worried.
'What disturbs me is where exactly the scammers got my name, address, and mobile number,' he said.
This concern is valid, as brushing could be the tip of the iceberg if the information is linked to sensitive personal and financial details.
Smith advised brushing scheme victims to clean their online presence and keep their personal information secure online.
Regularly check your privacy settings on online accounts, be cautious about the information you share online, and stay vigilant for any signs of identity theft or fraud.
.png){kind=icon}
