In the digital age, the convenience of online shopping has become a staple for many of us, including the savvy seniors who've embraced technology to keep up with the times. However, with this convenience comes a new breed of cyber threats that can catch even the most astute shoppers off guard. Laura Ramos, a Sydney resident, learned this the hard way when she fell victim to a sophisticated online scam that left her without her order and holding a mysterious ring instead.


Laura's ordeal began with what seemed like a stroke of luck – a pop-up ad on social media advertising a massive sale for a popular Australian fashion brand, with prices slashed to as low as $7. The website was a convincing replica of the legitimate brand's site, complete with identical photos and logos. It was a bargain hunter's dream, and Laura, like any smart shopper looking for a good deal, placed an order worth about $70.


The excitement of snagging a bargain soon turned into frustration when, after more than a month, her clothes had not arrived. Instead, Laura received a package containing what appeared to be a diamond ring and a pamphlet with a QR code, urging the recipient to scan for more information. The package lacked any sender details, making it impossible for Laura to track or verify its origin.


The mysterious delivery sparked curiosity and humor among Laura's colleagues, who jokingly asked if it was a marriage proposal. But Laura knew better. She and her colleagues dove into an investigation and stumbled upon a YouTube video by Sassy Gal Prepping, who had received a similar ring. The video revealed that the rings were part of an elaborate scam involving fake deliveries and potential hacking risks for those who scanned the QR code and entered their personal details.

Laura attempted to scan the QR code but was met with failure. She suspects her iPhone's security settings recognized the suspicious nature of the link and blocked it. While there's no concrete evidence linking the fake fashion order to the ring delivery, Laura suspects they are part of the same scam, as she is usually cautious about clicking on unknown links or engaging with online sales.

This type of scam is known as a 'brushing scam,' a form of e-commerce fraud where victims receive unsolicited packages. Scammers obtain personal details to create numerous accounts on online stores, purchase their own products, ship them to the victim's address, and then write fake reviews to make their scam products seem legitimate. The key signs of a brushing scam include receiving unordered items with no return address and finding your name on reviews for these products.


The risks of brushing scams extend beyond the annoyance of receiving unwanted items; they can expose your personal and financial information, increasing the risk of identity theft. It's crucial to monitor bank accounts for suspicious activity if you suspect you've been targeted.

To avoid falling prey to online scams, which cost Australians $74 million last year, Scamwatch advises caution. Be wary of items priced significantly lower than usual, unusual payment methods, urgent warnings or error messages, and vague or exclusively positive reviews. Laura's advice echoes this: research thoroughly before making a purchase, and if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you suspect you've been scammed, contact your bank immediately to report the incident, halt transactions, and change passwords on all your devices. For cyber security concerns or identity theft issues, IDCARE is available for assistance at 1800 595 160.



Members, let's stay vigilant and share our experiences to help each other avoid these cunning scams. Have you or someone you know encountered similar situations? Share your stories in the comments below and let's keep our community informed and protected.