Has Amazon ever sent you something you didn't order?

[mcmxi]

I went to my PO Box this morning and there was a package in an Amazon bag from a company called HOTOR. When I opened it there was a HOTOR car trash can in the package. It's weird. I even contacted the seat cover company I recently ordered from thinking that perhaps they'd had it sent out to me but they knew nothing about it. The package was addressed to me so what's the scam here?

HOTOR Leakproof Compact Car Trash Can (137)

About this item ✔KEEP YOUR VEHICLE NEAT – Our car organizers and storage can accommodate tissues, wrappers, napkin, bottles and even unfinished drinking. HOTOR vehicle trash can with lid can help you away from trash and odors. ✔COLLAPSIBLE SHAPE & ADJUSTABLE STRAP – You can place our car...

www.hotorauto.com

 

[Flintknapper]

Haven't had that happen but have had Amazon send me items that clearly have been used and returned.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Look at your amazon account and see if anything looks out of place.

 

[mcmxi]

Look at your amazon account and see if anything looks out of place.

Nothing out of the ordinary, no odd orders, weird.

 

[KKBL]

I received an item that way a few years ago also. Following is from Amazon help.


When a customer receives a package they didn't order, it may be a scam called "brushing". "Brushing" scams occur when bad actors send packages to publicly available names and addresses.


If you receive a package or item, that you didn't order, first confirm that it was not a gift that was sent to you and check with friends and family to see if they ordered the package. If you confirm that the package addressed to you, wasn't ordered by you or anyone you know, report the package online by going to the Report Unwanted Package form.


You can also contact Customer Service who will support you in reporting the issue to the investigations team. Please provide the following information:

• • Number of unwanted packages received.
  • A tracking number from at least one of the packages (found on the shipping label)
  • Any additional information to assist the investigation.

You don't need to return the item.


Amazon investigates reports of "brushing" and takes the appropriate action on bad actors that violate our policies. Amazon may suspend or remove selling privileges, withhold payments, and work with law enforcement.

 

[mcmxi]

I received an item that way a few years ago also. Following is from Amazon help.


When a customer receives a package they didn't order, it may be a scam called "brushing". "Brushing" scams occur when bad actors send packages to publicly available names and addresses.


If you receive a package or item, that you didn't order, first confirm that it was not a gift that was sent to you and check with friends and family to see if they ordered the package. If you confirm that the package addressed to you, wasn't ordered by you or anyone you know, report the package online by going to the Report Unwanted Package form.


You can also contact Customer Service who will support you in reporting the issue to the investigations team. Please provide the following information:

• • Number of unwanted packages received.
  • A tracking number from at least one of the packages (found on the shipping label)
  • Any additional information to assist the investigation.

You don't need to return the item.


Amazon investigates reports of "brushing" and takes the appropriate action on bad actors that violate our policies. Amazon may suspend or remove selling privileges, withhold payments, and work with law enforcement.

How does "brushing" benefit the company sending the item?

Thanks for the link. I reported the package to Amazon.

By the way, the package came from the following sender:

HOTOR
4222 Integration Loop
Colorado Springs, CO 80916

Turns out this is the address of Amazon's distribution center in Colorado Springs.

 

[KKBL]

How does "brushing" benefit the company sending the item?

Thanks for the link. I reported the package to Amazon.

By the way, the package came from the following sender:

HOTOR
4222 Integration Loop
Colorado Springs, CO 80916

Turns out this is the address of Amazon's distribution center in Colorado Springs.

Brushing scams occur when a person receives a package from a business containing various items that they never ordered. The packages will be addressed to your residence, but usually do not have a return address or have the return address of a retailer. The scammer typically orders the merchandise using a third-party seller like Amazon or eBay. Their aim is to pose as a verified buyer of that product so they can post a fake positive review online to boost their product rating and popularity.


Although this type of scam seems victimless, it likely means that your personal information has been leaked and is available somewhere online. This information may be your name, address, or phone number. While you may not face any immediate harm from a “brushing” scam, your leaked personal information could set you up for another type of scam or identity theft in the future.

 

[RCW]

Wow- great information.

Never had the circumstance or heard of Brushing, but something I will be wary of in the future.

 

[Lil Foot]

This a new one on me, thanks for posting.

 

[NCL4701]

I haven’t had it happen to me. When he was in college my now 27 year old son had it happening to him with packages sent to the house he was renting with several other guys. He mentioned it to me after about the 25th package in six months time and we had a discussion about brushing and why he needed to actually pay the premium to keep his identity protection insurance in force. He reported the next few packages received to Amazon and it stopped.

It’s kind of a weird scam, but it’s kind of a part of the company’s marketing budget. All they need is your name and address. That’s readily available if you live in the U.S. unless you’re on the run or transient and have no permanent address.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Good information!

This internet world is a bit crazy.

How many people drink too much one night and order online and regret it first thing in the morning. I've done it. My example... I'd wanted a $200 collectable for months and knew it would be gone if I didn't order one. There were only a few left. I did NOT need it. But I wanted it. Coveted it. So, one night, after a few too many jack and cokes... wife asleep.. 3 am stuff... I ordered it.

Bottom line. I got the collectable. Wife doesn't care. But looking at the collectable... today... I'd rather have the $200 that I spent on it. It won't be of collectable value until after I'm dead in 50 years.

 

[KKBL]

After I reported the the brushing information to Amazon I haven't received anymore. I always keep on top of all credit related accounts, just in case someone is up to no good.

 

[WFM]

My hired man told me he's gotten several free things from Amazon for leaving a five star review.
He ordered a head lamp.
Got a email saying we'll send you cookie sheets/baking pans if you leave a good review after receiving them...odd.
But he's said it's happened twice with him.
But they tell you they want a review to keep the free item.

 

[William1]

I've had a few Amazon vendors asking me to order (buy) something, leave a good review and then they'd refund the purchase price... yeah....no.
Want me to review something? Send it to me. I'll make an honest review, good or bad.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I still don't see a 'downside' to getting the free stuff...... Anyone can get my name and address off the web.

 

[DustyRusty]

I'll send you something that you will have no use for and it will annoy the hell out of you for weeks if not months!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

sounds good, when I finally decide I have no use for it, I'll just forward it to the next person !
I've already got two sheets of bronze looking for a new home....

 

[GrizBota]

Yes, at least twice. Low cost items we did not order. Once a scarf, the second time a cheap purse. My research led me to believe it is the vendor doing it so they can fake “verified” reviews.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Brushing has happened to me before. Considering the number of times my info has been hit (Target, OPM, Experian) it isn't surprising.

 

[lugbolt]

yes an expensive item. I filed for return, they never sent a return label nor instructions. Refunded, they never asked for anything else. It was 2 1/2 years ago. I messaged seller several times and they said don't worry about it so I don't.