The pursuit of free samples and promotional offers is a popular activity for many UK consumers, offering a way to try new products from categories like beauty, baby care, pet food, health, food and beverage, and household goods without initial cost. However, this landscape is not without risks, and a significant threat exists in the form of unsolicited packages and fraudulent "free sample" schemes. These scams exploit consumer enthusiasm for freebies to compromise personal information, generate fake reviews, or trick individuals into revealing sensitive data. Understanding how these scams operate, how to identify fraudulent offers, and what to do if you receive an unexpected package is crucial for maintaining personal and financial security.
The Nature of Brushing Scams and Unsolicited Packages
A prevalent and illegal scheme known as a "brushing scam" involves individuals receiving packages or parcels containing items they did not order. While the package is addressed to the recipient, it often lacks a return address or may feature a retailer's address. The sender is typically an international third-party seller who has obtained the recipient's personal information, such as name and address, from online sources. The primary intention is to create the illusion that the recipient is a verified buyer who has written a positive online review for the product. This allows the seller to fraudulently inflate product ratings and sales figures, potentially leading to increased genuine sales. The merchandise sent is usually inexpensive and lightweight to minimise shipping costs. Importantly, receiving unsolicited merchandise as part of a brushing scam indicates that your personal information has been compromised and is being used without your consent. This activity is illegal in many countries, including the UK and the US.
A newer variation of the brushing scam incorporates "quishing," which is short for QR code phishing. In this scenario, the unsolicited package may contain a QR code. When scanned, this code directs the recipient to a fake website designed to look legitimate, such as a bank, government organisation, or official company site. The goal of these fake websites is to trick individuals into revealing sensitive personal identifiable information (PII), including their full name, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers. The QR code might be presented under the guise of needing to scan it to discover the sender's identity or to obtain more information about the company that sent the gift.
Identifying Fake Free Sample Offers and Scams
While legitimate free sample programmes exist, many fraudulent offers masquerade as genuine opportunities. These scams can lead to unauthorised charges on credit cards, a flood of spam emails, or the theft of personal data. Several red flags can help consumers distinguish between authentic offers and scams.
One major warning sign is a request for credit card information. Genuine free samples are, by definition, free and do not require payment or credit card details. If a website asks for this information, it is highly likely a scam. It is important to note the distinction between a scam and a legitimate offer that charges a small delivery fee. Some small brands or Shopify-powered stores may request a nominal fee for shipping, which is generally a legitimate practice. However, consumers should remain vigilant and verify the brand's authenticity through other factors, such as whether the brand is well-known, if people have actually received samples from them, and what reviews say.
Another common indicator of a fake offer is the presence of excessive advertising and pop-ups on the sample request website. Legitimate brands do not generate revenue from advertising on their sample pages. If a site is cluttered with ads for casinos, gambling, or "get rich quick" schemes, it is advisable to close the tab immediately.
Furthermore, a legitimate free sample offer is for a product that is actually for sale. If a website offers free samples of products that cannot be purchased through their site or any known retailer, it should be considered a deal-breaker. This is a logical inconsistency, as the purpose of a sample is to encourage future purchases.
To avoid scams, it is recommended to research unfamiliar brands before providing any information. A simple online search can reveal if other sources besides the brand's own website and social media mention the company. Reading reviews on platforms like Instagram or Facebook can also provide insight. The safest approach is to stick with basics: well-known brands and reputable sampling platforms with a history of delivering on their promises.
What to Do If You Receive an Unsolicited Package
If an unrecognised package arrives at your doorstep, it is not a lucky break but a potential sign that your personal information is in the hands of criminals. The US Postal Service advises that at a minimum, this indicates a criminal enterprise may have your name and address and could target you for future scams.
The following steps are recommended if you receive an unordered package:
- Do Not Pay or Scan: Avoid scanning any QR codes included in the package. Do not agree to pay for the items or provide any payment information through other means.
- Report Suspicious Contents: If the package contains liquids, seeds, or other materials that appear suspicious, you should notify local authorities.
- Be Aware of the Risks: Even though you have received free items, understand that your personal information has likely been compromised. These actions are part of a larger scam operation, and the fake reviews written in your name may prompt others to purchase worthless or low-quality products. In some instances, bad actors use a person's address to receive merchandise and then steal it from the home before the resident can intercept it.
Conclusion
The world of free samples and promotional offers presents genuine opportunities for UK consumers, but it is also fraught with risks from brushing scams and fraudulent offers. Legitimate free samples never require credit card information and are for products that are actually available for purchase. Consumers should be highly sceptical of unsolicited packages, as they are often part of illegal schemes to generate fake reviews or, in more dangerous variations, to facilitate phishing attacks via QR codes. By recognising the red flags of fake offers, such as excessive advertising and requests for sensitive data, and by knowing the appropriate steps to take upon receiving an unordered package, consumers can protect their personal information and navigate the free sample landscape safely and effectively.