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12/23/2024

Authorities warn about 'brushing scams' | Here's how it works

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MULLICA HILL, N.J. (WPVI) -- As holiday cheer is arriving in the form of boxes in the delivery truck, authorities are putting out warnings about unsolicited packages in the form of a "brushing scam."

"It was a really nice gift set for skin care," said Nancy Kowalik, of Mullica Hill, who received a package out of the blue from an unknown sender.

After seeing warning posts from local police departments, she believes it was likely part of a scam.

"There was a QR code," said Kowalik. "And I'm paranoid so I don't scan anything. But I kept asking friends and no one ever claimed sending that gift to me."

Experts like Venkat Margapuri, who is an assistant professor of computing sciences at Villanova University, say once a fraudulent seller sends a package, even though you didn't order it, they can write a verified review for their product online.

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