The rise of E-commerce has given rise to new forms of fraud that affect both buyers and the platforms themselves. One of the most common on Amazon is the blow-dry fraud, which consists of receiving an unexpected package, often of little value, without the recipient having made any purchase.
In Spain and other countries, this type of fraud has raised alarm bells due to the increase in users receiving packages without warning. Although it may seem harmless—even tempting—this phenomenon hides several dangers. It not only affects the reputation of online commerce, but also puts the privacy and security of those who receive these unexpected shipments at risk.
La brushing technique It seeks to artificially inflate sales volumes and improve the reputation of certain sellers on Amazon. To do this, it uses real data about people, usually obtained through leaks, compromised databases, or simple public searches, and simulates legitimate purchases to later reveal the truth. fake positive reviews.
How does the unsolicited package scam work?
The process begins when the Fraudulent sellers create fake accounts or handle stolen personal data. Through these accounts, they buy their own products and fill in the victim's address to make the shipment appear legitimate. This way, Amazon records the transaction as real, and after delivery, the fake account can upload a positive review that simulates the experience of a satisfied buyer.
The victims discover the Deception when receiving a package at home that they did not orderThese are usually low-cost items or items with no commercial value, although more attractive items, such as electronic devices, have occasionally been reported. The important thing for scammers is that the transaction is legitimate and that they have a clear path to value the product.
This method perverts reputation systems and creates a false perception of trust among other users of Amazon or other platforms.
Some symptoms that may indicate that you are a victim of brushing are:
- Receiving unsolicited packages with unknown products.
- Messages or delivery notifications about purchases that have not been made.
- Reviews posted under the recipient's name without the recipient having placed an order.
The risks of becoming a 'victim' of blow-drying
Un significant danger of this fraud is the exposure of personal dataIf a seller has access to your name, address, and sometimes phone number, it's possible that this information was recently leaked. Furthermore, hairbrushing can be the first step toward phishing, identity theft, or much more serious future fraud attempts.
Some experts warn about the arrival of electronic devices with potential added risks. There are cases in which cheap gadgets They have hidden spyware or malicious QR codes to steal banking data by accessing fraudulent links.
Another significant threat is in the valuation manipulation. The brushing distorts the online trust system, deceiving both the platform and other buyers, which can lead to wrong purchasing decisions.
What to do if you receive a suspicious package from Amazon?
If a package that you did not order appears at your home, it is advisable do not open or use the product. It is best to contact the amazon customer service or other platform from which the shipment originates, providing the tracking number and any relevant information from the package label.
Amazon indicates that It is not mandatory to return the item, but would appreciate it if you reported it so we can investigate what happened. It is also advisable review your online shopping accounts to detect unauthorized activity and, if necessary, change passwords and enable two-step verification.
If you discover that your data is circulating online, it's advisable to contact the authorities or cybersecurity experts to determine the next steps. Additionally, activate alerts on bank accounts and reviewing the visibility of your personal information can help prevent future incidents.
It's essential to remain cautious with unexpected packages, even if they appear to be harmless gifts. The appearance of these shipments is a warning about the importance of protecting privacy in the digital age and not letting our guard down with our data on online shopping platforms.