Palos Park, IL – Police are warning U.S. consumers this week about a rising scam targeting online shoppers during the busiest shopping season of the year. As Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas deliveries ramp up during Q4, officials say “brushing scams” are once again appearing on doorsteps across the country.
According to the Palos Park Police Department, scammers mail out random packages, often appearing to come from Amazon or other major retailers. Inside, unsuspecting recipients may find a “Thank You” note with a QR code urging them to scan for a “reward,” to “see who sent it,” or to “claim a prize.”
Police caution that scanning these QR codes can lead to fake websites designed to steal personal or financial information. Some codes may also install malware on phones or devices. In addition, scammers use these false shipments to boost product ratings with fake reviews, a practice known as “brushing.”
Authorities urge consumers to treat any unexpected package with suspicion—especially during the holiday shopping rush when millions of online orders are being delivered. Shoppers are advised not to scan QR codes, check bank and credit card accounts for unauthorized purchases, and report suspicious packages directly to the retailer.
“If you didn’t order it, don’t trust it,” police said in the alert. Those who may have entered personal information after scanning a suspicious QR code are urged to monitor their accounts closely and change passwords immediately.
This holiday season, with record levels of online shopping expected, officials say awareness is the best defense.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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