In today’s e-commerce-driven world, package security concerns typically center around the threat of theft. We’ve all seen the headlines about “porch pirates” swooping in to steal deliveries from doorsteps. At Parcel Safe, we’ve built our business around protecting your valuable packages from these direct threats. However, there’s another, more insidious delivery scam that every consumer should be aware of: brush scamming.
Unlike traditional package theft where deliveries are stolen, brush scamming involves receiving packages you never ordered or requested. This deceptive practice occurs when you receive unsolicited items addressed to you, often without a return address or with one that appears to belong to a legitimate retailer.
According to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the practice works like this: “A person receives packages or parcels containing various sorts of items which were not ordered or requested by the recipient,” and sometimes recipients may even be asked to pay for these mystery packages upon arrival.
The scam operates through a simple but effective mechanism:
As the USPIS explains, “The intention is to give the impression that the recipient is a verified buyer who has written positive online reviews of the merchandise,” essentially writing fake reviews in your name.
While receiving free items might seem harmless or even beneficial, brush scamming indicates something alarming: your personal information has been compromised. The scammers have already obtained your name, address, and potentially other personal details that could be used for more harmful types of fraud or identity theft.
Recent developments have made brush scamming even more dangerous:
According to U.S. Postal Inspector Brook Robinson, brushing packages can now include printed QR codes designed to steal personal data when scanned. This adds an element of “quishing” (QR code phishing) to the scam, attempting to extract even more of your personal information.
If you receive unexpected packages that you didn’t order, take these steps to safeguard your personal information:
As Postal Inspector Robinson advises: “Treat your personal information as if it were cash; think before you send it away.” He also recommends forwarding any USPS-related brushing attempts to spam@uspis.gov or texting them to 7726.
Brush scamming is just one part of a concerning trend in delivery-related fraud. According to recent reports from April 2025, the USPS has seen an increase in “phishing, smishing and brushing” attempts, with a notable uptick during the 2024 holiday season.
This highlights the need for comprehensive package security solutions that address not just physical theft but also the information security aspects of delivery management.
At Parcel Safe, our primary mission is to prevent package theft through our innovative “Defender” line of secure delivery safes. However, our solutions can also help mitigate brush scamming risks:
As e-commerce continues to grow, so too will the sophistication of delivery-related scams. Protecting your packages requires a multi-layered approach that addresses both physical security and information security concerns.
With Parcel Safe’s complete delivery protection systems, you gain control over who can access your deliveries and when, with real-time notifications keeping you informed about every package that arrives at your door. From our entry-level Defender at $599 to our top-of-the-line Defender Advantage with full mobile connectivity at $2,329, we offer solutions tailored to your specific security needs.
Don’t wait until you’ve become a victim of porch pirates or brush scamming. Take control of your delivery security today with Parcel Safe—because protecting what’s yours is our priority.
Don’t let porch pirates steal your holiday cheer. Invest in a secure delivery solution today, and enjoy a season filled with safe, stress-free gifting. Let’s unwrap how you can protect your precious parcels and give yourself the gift of peace of mind.
Package theft is a growing problem, with more than 40% of Americans having experienced a theft at least once. Find out all about securing home deliveries—the alarming statistics and what to look for in a secure solution that will bring you peace of mind.
