Postal Warning over "Free Diamond Rings"
December 11, 24
(IDEX Online) - Residents in the US are being sent unsolicited "diamond rings" in what's known as a "brushing scam".
They receive a red jewelry box in the mail containing what turns out to be a fake diamond ring, together with a QR code for them to "register" the item that they hadn't ordered.
The scammers' plans is to trick unsuspecting recipients into disclosing personal and financial information for a future fraud. They can also use victims' details on fake positive product reviews that they post online.
Postal bosses say "brushing" - sending unsolicited packages for fraudulent gain - is illegal in the US.
"While it may appear to be a victimless crime—you did after all get some free stuff—the reality is that your personal information may be compromised," said Andrea Avery, postal inspector at the United States Postal Inspection Service.
"Often scammers obtain personal information through nefarious means and with ill-intentions, and use it for a number of scams and other illicit activities in the future."
There is no legal requirement to return the unsolicited item, she said.
Screengrab courtesy NBC7 San Diego shows a ring and its packaging.