News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A new scam launched that takes advantage of people who might buy packages online.
Cookeville Police Department Administrative Captain Anthony Leonard said a brushing scam occurs when a package is sent to your address, with your name on it, that you did not order. Leonard said upon opening the package, recipients find an item along with a QR code encouraging them to leave a review.
“They’ll do a review in your name, saying that the item was great, that you received it in quick time that they would recommend it,” Leonard said. “And what they’re hoping is that other people will see your review, and then they will purchase an item similar, and sometimes the brushing goes further than that and they’ll ask you to actually scan a QR code.”
Criminal Division Detective Sergeant Justin Long said if you receive a package but have not ordered anything online, the scam could be happening to you. Long said to avoid the QR code included with such packages, as scanning the code could send your personal information to scammers. Long said once the scammers have your information, they will be able to access your bank accounts.
“If they have it set up, by scanning the QR code or clicking the link on your phone or computer, that could give them access to your phone and or your computer or device that you open it up on,” Long said. “And then lead them to your banking information.”
Leonard said while no cases have been reported in Cookeville, he is aware of similar incidents happening in surrounding areas.
Long said a variation of brushing scams has been spotted in Cookeville. He said that scammers sometimes book hotel rooms and use the hotel address to order items under other people’s names, which are then delivered to the hotel.
“It’s just along the same lines as the brushing scam,” Long said. “It’s just sometimes these people, the bad actors they actually book rooms maybe a week later at the same hotel which we believe with the idea for that item to be delivered, and then they book their room with the idea to pick up that package.”
Leonard said these packages come from legitimate businesses and are usually shipped directly. However, Leonard said you will not know if the package is part of a scam until the package is open. Leonard said anyone who has been a victim of this scam or has information about this to contact the Cookeville Police Department.
