Beware of new QR code scam involving unsolicited packages

Strange packages you didn't order showing up on your doorstep. I got this strange package in the mail. It's addressed to me. Never ordered it, so I'm like, Is this *** scam? There was an envelope that says, Thank you for your purchase, and I haven't ordered anything. It's often an e-commerce scam called brushing. The goal boosting *** seller's ratings by creating fake orders. The scammer uses your address to mail you something you didn't ask for, usually something cheap. And lightweight that's easy to ship. Then they go online and create *** fake review. But now both the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau are out with warnings about *** dangerous new twist. And here it is scammers putting something like this in your package, *** QR code. There's instructions like scan this QR code to see who exactly sent you your package, but stop right there. Don't do that. That is exactly how they get you. When you scan the QR. Code it usually takes you to *** fraudulent website where they try to fish for more information out of you like your bank or credit card information or even your Social Security number, but ultimately it's *** scam. We reached out to Melanie McGovern with the Better Business Bureau. We just encourage consumers don't scan any kind of QR code that comes in *** package you didn't order. She tells us that BBB received several reports of QR codes in unsolicited packages since December. So how did the scammers Find your address in the first place. There's so much information that's out there that, you know, as much as we like to think we're safe online, our addresses are out there. There's been so many data breaches. Even if you get one of these packages and you see the QR code and you didn't scan it, it's really important to report it to BBB as well. Who else should you alert? If you can tell where the package came from, like Amazon or Walmart, for example, contact them directly and report the package as fraud. Both of those retailers and other Legitimate ones have rules against fake reviews. You can also report the fraud to the US Postal Service, FedEx, or UPS, whoever fulfilled the delivery. Finally, keep *** close eye on your banking accounts and your credit reports because at *** minimum, *** scammer was able to obtain your address. So what do you do with the package itself? The Federal Trade Commission says you are legally allowed to keep it. You can do that or really just throw it out. Reporting in Washington, I'm Amy Lowe.

Unsolicited packages arriving at your doorstep may be more than just a harmless mistake.Both the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau are warning about a new twist on an e-commerce scam known as brushing, which is designed to boost a seller’s ratings by creating fake orders. Scammers use your address to mail you something you didn’t ask for, usually something cheap and lightweight that’s easy to ship. Because the scammer has proof of package delivery, they’ll use that to go online and create a fake review.Now – the FTC and the BBB warn that those unexpected packages could contain QR codes to steal your personal information. The QR codes usually come with instructions, urging you to scan the code to find out who sent the package. When you scan, the QR code leads you to a fraudulent website aiming to phish more information from you, like your bank details or social security number.Melanie McGovern from the Better Business Bureau says it’s easy for scammers to find our addresses. “There's so much information that's out there,” McGovern says. “As much as we like to think we're safe online, our addresses are out there. There's been so many data breaches.” She advises against scanning any QR codes in unsolicited packages and says you should notify the BBB if you receive one of these packages.If you can tell where the package came from, for example, if it’s in packaging from a major retailer like Amazon or Walmart, notify that retailer directly and report the package as fraud. Both of those retailers and other legitimate ones have rules against fake reviews. You can also report the fraud to the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, or UPS, whoever fulfilled the delivery.You should also monitor your bank accounts and credit reports closely, because at a minimum, you know a scammer was able to obtain your address. You are entitled to free weekly credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, and can request them at AnnualCreditReport.com. As for the package itself, the Federal Trade Commission states you can legally keep the package or dispose of it.

Unsolicited packages arriving at your doorstep may be more than just a harmless mistake.

Both the and the are warning about a new twist on an e-commerce scam known as brushing, which is designed to boost a seller’s ratings by creating fake orders. Scammers use your address to mail you something you didn’t ask for, usually something cheap and lightweight that’s easy to ship. Because the scammer has proof of package delivery, they’ll use that to go online and create a fake review.

Now – the FTC and the BBB warn that those unexpected packages could contain QR codes to steal your personal information. The QR codes usually come with instructions, urging you to scan the code to find out who sent the package. When you scan, the QR code leads you to a fraudulent website aiming to phish more information from you, like your bank details or social security number.

Melanie McGovern from the Better Business Bureau says it’s easy for scammers to find our addresses.

“There's so much information that's out there,” McGovern says. “As much as we like to think we're safe online, our addresses are out there. There's been so many data breaches.”

She advises against scanning any QR codes in unsolicited packages and says you should notify the BBB if you receive one of these packages.

If you can tell where the package came from, for example, if it’s in packaging from a major retailer like Amazon or Walmart, notify that retailer directly and report the package as fraud. Both of those retailers and other legitimate ones have rules against fake reviews. You can also report the fraud to the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, or UPS, whoever fulfilled the delivery.

You should also monitor your bank accounts and credit reports closely, because at a minimum, you know a scammer was able to obtain your address. You are entitled to free weekly credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, and can request them at . As for the package itself, the Federal Trade Commission states you can legally keep the package or dispose of it.

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