Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office issues warning about new holiday brushing scam
Roanoke, Virginia – The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a new holiday scam known as the “brushing scam,” which has been spreading across the country. This scam is designed to trick recipients into unknowingly providing personal and financial information to fraudsters.
How the Scam Works
The brushing scam begins with the victim receiving a package in the mail. The package often resembles an Amazon box or a plain parcel and will include the victim’s correct name and address. However, the return address is usually fake or missing entirely. Inside the package, there will be a random, inexpensive item such as headphones, a Bluetooth speaker, or cheap jewelry. Along with the item, the package will include a QR code accompanied by language like, “Scan the QR code to find out who sent your gift!”
If the recipient scans the QR code, they are redirected to a webpage designed to look legitimate, such as an Amazon or other well-known vendor’s site. The website then prompts the victim to enter personal and account information to “verify” their identity before revealing the gift sender’s name. In reality, the scammers use this ruse to steal sensitive information, which can then be used for identity theft, fraudulent purchases, or even draining the victim’s bank accounts.
Important Warnings and Tips
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that simply scanning the QR code does not immediately compromise personal information. The true danger lies in entering private identity or account details into the fraudulent webpage that appears after scanning.
Residents are urged to remain cautious and avoid interacting with unknown or suspicious packages. Key tips to protect yourself include:
- Do Not Scan Unknown QR Codes: If you receive a package that includes a QR code and you don’t recognize the sender, do not scan the code.
- Do Not Enter Personal Information: Avoid entering private details such as account credentials, social security numbers, or bank information on websites linked to suspicious packages.
- Verify Legitimate Sources: If you believe the package might be legitimate, contact the vendor directly through official channels to verify its origin.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you have received a brushing scam package, report it to local authorities.
The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to remain vigilant, especially during the holiday season when scams become more prevalent. Protecting personal information and practicing caution are essential to avoid falling victim to this and other scams.
