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Investigation into the Unexplained Shipping Scam
Feb 22, 2023
Understanding the Bizarre Scam:
A strange scam is emerging, where people unexpectedly receive items they didn't order, such as low-value goods. Numerous reports of such incidents have surfaced on SafelyHQ.com and within this subreddit.
Initial Theories:
Initially, it was thought to be a "brushing" scam, where phony reviews are created to enhance a seller's online presence. However, we're not convinced this fully explains the situation.
Our Investigative Approach:
To understand the underlying mechanics, we scrutinized over 4,000 reported cases. We've included a chart* below to illustrate some of our findings.
What We've Uncovered:
Our ongoing investigation suggests:
How You Can Assist:
A strange scam is emerging, where people unexpectedly receive items they didn't order, such as low-value goods. Numerous reports of such incidents have surfaced on SafelyHQ.com and within this subreddit.
Initial Theories:
Initially, it was thought to be a "brushing" scam, where phony reviews are created to enhance a seller's online presence. However, we're not convinced this fully explains the situation.
Our Investigative Approach:
To understand the underlying mechanics, we scrutinized over 4,000 reported cases. We've included a chart* below to illustrate some of our findings.
What We've Uncovered:
Our ongoing investigation suggests:
- You might have inadvertently bought from a scam website.
- The seller then sends you a cheap item (like a pen, scarf, or low-cost ring).
- They obtain a tracking number for this shipment.
- This tracking number complicates disputing the original transaction.
- The seller claims it's a shipping error, not fraud.
- Despite potentially refunding some buyers, the low cost of the shipped item means they profit even with a few successful scams.
How You Can Assist:
- If affected, please report your experience on SafelyHQ.com, including any relevant details and photos of the package or product. This information aids our analytics and enhances our research. While providing contact information is optional and confidential, it's helpful for follow-up.
- Reflect on any recent purchases from less familiar online stores that you haven't received yet. Include the vendor's name or a copy of your order in your SafelyHQ report.
- Your input and feedback are invaluable. Please share your thoughts in the comments to help us deepen our understanding and tackle this issue more effectively.