Four local banks — AbbyBank, Forward Bank, Northwestern Bank, and Prevail Bank — are coming together to raise awareness of a scam resurfacing in communities, brushing fraud.
This scheme occurs when fraudulent sellers send unsolicited packages to people and then use their names and addresses to post fake positive reviews online. While these shipments may seem harmless, they can expose individuals to identity theft and financial fraud.
“Even something as simple as an unexpected delivery can be a red flag,” said Connie Zuleger, chief operating officer at Prevail Bank. “Scammers often exploit personal details pulled from online sources. Once they have your data, it can be used in ways that directly impact your financial security.”
In brushing scams, fraudsters manipulate product credibility by inflating ratings with false reviews tied to unsuspecting recipients’ information. Beyond skewing online marketplaces, the scam can serve as a gateway for criminals to misuse personal data.
“We want to remind our communities that fraud doesn’t always start with an email or phone call,” said Natalyn Jannene, vice president of marketing at AbbyBank. “Something as routine as a package on your doorstep can be a signal that your personal information is circulating where it shouldn’t be.”
Here’s how consumers can protect themselves from brushing fraud:
• Do not pay for or return unsolicited items.
• Report the package to the retailer, per Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidance.
• If it contains plants or seeds, report immediately to the United States Postal Service and the FTC.
• Never scan QR codes on shipping slips; they may capture personal data.
• Strengthen account security with unique passwords and multi-factor authentication.
• Monitor bank accounts and credit reports regularly for suspicious activity.
• Consider placing a fraud alert with credit agencies to prevent unauthorized use.
