The New York State Sheriff’s Association is warning New Yorker of a main scam that’s on the rise across the state.
Have you heard of a Brushing Scam?
What’s a Brushing Scam?
The United State Postal Inspection Service explains that a Brushing Scam starts with an “unsolicited package to your home.”
The scammers will “write fake, positive “verified buyer” reviews under your name” where in turn you’ll receive free product.
Seems harmless, right? WRONG.
This, the US Postal Inspection Service shares, is a “major warning sign that your personal data has been compromised or leaked online.”
Recently this scam has evolved into a new variation called “Quishing.” Scammers are adding a QR code to the packages that send victims to a fake website. The websites look legitimate, but they are used by the scamming criminals to get your personal information.
New York State Sheriff’s Association Warns of Brushing Scam
Brushing and Quishing scams are on the rise across New York State.
The New York State Sheriff’s Association recently shared a PSA of sorts on their social media pages.
Read More: Hudson Valley Shopper Falls Victim to Brushing Scam
In the post they warn about New Yorkers receiving packages that they didn’t order. The NYS Sheriff’s Association then shared these safety tips:
• Don’t scan QR codes or follow instructions included with an unexpected package.
• Don’t call phone numbers or visit websites listed in the package unless you verify them independently.
• Check your shopping and financial accounts for purchases you don’t recognize.
• Change passwords if you think an account may have been compromised.
• If the package is addressed to someone else, don’t assume it belongs to you.
They go on to say “An unexpected package may seem harmless, but it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure your accounts and personal information are secure.”
If you do get an unexpected, suspicious package, report it to the delivery company or the retailer it came from just to be safe.
Scams To Be on The Lookout For Across the Hudson Valley
There have been several scam warning across the region over the last few years.
Many of the local scams focus around law enforcement. Recently the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office warned the public about a scam in which residents were receiving phone calls from “scammers impersonating law enforcement and other government agencies.”
The scammers would then attempt to steal money from residents.
READ MORE: NFL Dating Scam Takes a Wild Syracuse University Turn
On a bigger stage, there has been an arrest in a dating scam. A 35-year-old scammed 26 women out of $1.3 million pretending to be an professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers.
Here are a few more scams to keep an eye out for locally:
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Expert Tips for Avoiding Online Shopping Scams
In order to avoid a scammer getting the better of you, check out the following red flags to look out for as well as preventative measures to take from Dr. Skiba, AKA Dr. Fraud himself:
Gallery Credit: Maria Danise