Coal City, IL – A new scam involving unexpected packages and QR codes has surfaced nationwide, prompting a warning from local authorities. While Coal City Police report no local incidents, residents are urged to remain vigilant.
The scheme, known as a “brushing” scam, involves receiving unsolicited items—such as jewelry, electronics, or accessories—often with no sender details. Scammers sometimes include QR codes, tempting recipients to scan them for more information. Officials caution that scanning these codes could expose personal data or trigger malware.
According to the Coal City Police Department, scammers use these packages to artificially boost online reviews or gain access to recipients’ sensitive information. Authorities emphasize that recipients can keep or discard the items but should never scan unfamiliar QR codes.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious packages to local law enforcement. Avoid scanning unknown QR codes and stay cautious with unexpected deliveries.
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