Received a surprise 'gift' from Poland? It may be part of a scam...

Thursday 04 April 2024

From legal thrillers to raunchy tales... Scores of islanders have been receiving surprise parcels from Poland containing random books, but the 'gifts' aren't quite as they seem...

A brushing scam involves online sellers sending unordered items to people’s homes and posting fake positive reviews using the recipients' names to boost their online ratings and visibility.

The scam typically begins with scammers obtaining personal information, such as names and addresses, then using this information to create fake accounts and place orders for their own products.

Pictured: A book and accompanying note that was sent to one islander. 

Once the packages are delivered, the scammers write positive reviews using the recipients' names to make the scam appear legitimate.

Three years ago, Channel Islanders were targeted with seeds, which were believed to have come all the way from China, as part of a suspected brushing scam. 

Now, it appears the scam has taken on a literary form, with several islanders this week taking to social media to share their surprise at receiving unexpected books from Poland.

Anyone who receives goods they didn't order is now being urged to report the unsolicited package to the purported retailer's online platform, as well local authorities.

Jersey Post said that they are aware of such scams, but they had not received any direct complaints from customers on this recently. 

Pictured: Islanders have taken to social media to share their surprise about receiving parcels containing books from Poland.

A spokesperson for Jersey Post said: "Jersey Post has an obligation to deliver packages and we don’t know what is inside of them.

"This would need to be reported to the retailer directly."

Amazon advises reporting unsolicited packages immediately and provides a form for reporting brushing scams. They will investigate these reports and take action against fraudulent sellers. 

Pictured: another islander posted on Facebook about the surprise books received. 

Jersey's data protection authority, Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner, said: “Whilst our office is not aware of any scams such as these, it is important to recognise that nobody is immune from attempts to scam individuals and illicit their personal information.

"Our advice would be to be vigilant about who you give your personal information to.

"Take a simple common-sense approach and if you have not ordered anything, then report the matter to the appropriate organisation such as Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum.

"Our team is always happy to provide advice and guidance should anyone be concerned."

ADVICE...

Amazon has shared this guidance for anyone who receives an unsolicited package.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam or fallen victim can contact the States of Jersey Police on 612612.

More information about the latest scams targeting islanders, and advice on what to do, can be found on the Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum website here.