Aussies concerned about unusual 'mystery packages' flooding mailboxes

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.'


compressed-parcel delivery.jpeg
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.
Key Takeaways
  • Recipients received deliveries of cheap pillows, shredded rags, and dirty plush toys.
  • The scam involved a PO Box in Dingley Village, Melbourne. However, the items sent to unsuspecting victims came from overseas.
  • Australians have been receiving unsolicited items in the mail as part of a brushing scam to boost online seller reviews.
  • Australia Post and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advised recipients that they are under no obligation to pay and should report any suspicious deliveries to authorities.
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.
 
Sponsored
I had this happen a few years back. Random items I hadn’t ordered coming through the post. My friends and I had a good laugh at what arrived. For example a nit comb! I’ve never had nits in my life lol. It went on for a month or two then just stopped
 
Yeah a few years ago I got a small bag in the mail, it had all my details on the bag and I opened it up to find a small thin blanket type piece of material inside, and an address in Chinese writing so I chucked it in the bin. Weird.😳
 
I ordered 4 items from a fake Peter Alexander sale. I followed tracking details for six weeks and instead received a cheap one size fits all ring which I did not order. It took me a while to link the unwanted gift with the Peter Alexander order. It was only when I saw the tracking info for the Peter Alexander order said it had been delivered and matched the dates that I realised the connection. Insult to injury is Facebook/ Instagram would not remove the adds when I advised them of the scam saying the ads complied with their requirements.
 
Only yesterday I saw a couple of people promoting getting a free package from Temu. I dont remember the full details but there was a picture of lots of orange parcels . I did not bother really reading the full article so unfortunately I cannot explain more. The two I saw were using females names and photos.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GrannyJA!
Only yesterday I saw a couple of people promoting getting a free package from Temu. I dont remember the full details but there was a picture of lots of orange parcels . I did not bother really reading the full article so unfortunately I cannot explain more. The two I saw were using females names and photos.
Temu let's you know if you are getting free stuff in the mail we'll before, they don't just send it and surprise you.
 
And people swear by the "convenience" of online shopping.

Idiots!
When I got the random stuff it wasn’t an inconvenience, it was quite amusing. I shop on line all the time. I find I hate walking round the shops any more. I used to enjoy it but now shopping on line is quicker so now i enjoy doing other things with the time I save
 
There is no privacy these days. Just received notice from PayPal that they are updating their rules. Now merchants can share customers details
with their service providers. I would like to know what details the merchants get, thought PayPal was the intermediary so we didn't have to give merchants any details. Without PayPal there is no other way to purchase safely.
 
  • Like
Reactions: deni67
Australia Post wouldn't be able to solve it, they are flat out delivering legitimate mail properly let alone trying to work out where illegitimate mail is coming

Australia Post wouldn't be able to solve it, they are flat out delivering legitimate mail properly let alone trying to work out where illegitimate mail is coming from!
Don't talk to me about Alustralia Post and how busy they are delivering legitimate mail. First, they need to employ enough people to deal with the increasing number of parcels now in the system. Second, they need to employ competent people who can read the correct addresses on the parcels so they can at least, be delivered to the correct town. 😡(Twice, in two weeks this has happened to me.)
 
There is no privacy these days. Just received notice from PayPal that they are updating their rules. Now merchants can share customers details
with their service providers. I would like to know what details the merchants get, thought PayPal was the intermediary so we didn't have to give merchants any details. Without PayPal there is no other way to purchase safely.
Go to shop, pay cash!
 
I ordered 4 items from a fake Peter Alexander sale. I followed tracking details for six weeks and instead received a cheap one size fits all ring which I did not order. It took me a while to link the unwanted gift with the Peter Alexander order. It was only when I saw the tracking info for the Peter Alexander order said it had been delivered and matched the dates that I realised the connection. Insult to injury is Facebook/ Instagram would not remove the adds when I advised them of the scam saying the ads complied with their requirements.
Facebook etc don't care about false accounts and scams. I have reported fake profiles with proof twice but got the same reply as you.
 
Quite a long time ago I received a package I hadn't ordered and took it back to the Post Office to tell them to send it back. The Postmaster then asked if I was going to pay the postage to send it and I told him that as I had not ordered it in the first place the people it was being returned to were responsible for the postage to return it. He accepted my reasoning and duly sent the package back. I heard nothing further from these people after that.
 
Don't talk to me about Alustralia Post and how busy they are delivering legitimate mail. First, they need to employ enough people to deal with the increasing number of parcels now in the system. Second, they need to employ competent people who can read the correct addresses on the parcels so they can at least, be delivered to the correct town. 😡(Twice, in two weeks this has happened to me.)
and just think that Christmas is only around the corner with all of the parcel deliveries going thru the roof....busiest time of the year for them I'd imagine. 🎶Where oh Where has my parcel gone....oh where oh where can it be.🎶
 
There is no privacy these days. Just received notice from PayPal that they are updating their rules. Now merchants can share customers details
with their service providers. I would like to know what details the merchants get, thought PayPal was the intermediary so we didn't have to give merchants any details. Without PayPal there is no other way to purchase safely.
Be careful Jenny, that email from Paypal is a scam in itself so do not respond to it.
 
Only yesterday I saw a couple of people promoting getting a free package from Temu. I dont remember the full details but there was a picture of lots of orange parcels . I did not bother really reading the full article so unfortunately I cannot explain more. The two I saw were using females names and photos.
Temu play lots of games. Some are genuine (only if you spend $$) and some are just plain rip offs.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×