Residents across Florida are opening their mailboxes to find packages they never ordered. This peculiar trend has left many confused and concerned, as experts warn it could be part of a larger identity theft scheme.

In Deerfield Beach, Kim Watson was one of the first to report this unusual activity. What started as a single empty package quickly escalated to dozens of mysterious deliveries, some containing bizarre items like a 2026 mullet hair calendar.

Understanding the Mystery Packages Scam

The Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida has identified this phenomenon as a scam known as brushing. Scammers send packages to random addresses with the hope that recipients will scan the QR codes attached to them.

Cinthya Lavin, a representative from the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida explains that these packages often contain little to no value. “You receive an envelope or a box in the mail. It could have something, it could have nothing, but it encourages the consumer or the receiver to scan a QR code,” she said.

The Dangers of Scanning QR Codes

Experts warn that scanning these QR codes can be risky. “You could be downloading malware onto your phone. You could just be giving the scammer data,” Lavin cautioned. The scammers’ ultimate goal is to gather personal information from unsuspecting victims.

Watson shared her experience of discovering the scam’s reach. “I finally looked this person up on Facebook and it says that it’s somewhat of a scam,” she revealed. Her findings confirmed that she was not alone in receiving these mysterious packages.

The Scam’s Reach and How to Report It

The Better Business Bureau has received hundreds of complaints about this scam in Florida alone. Many of these reports mention the same return address and sender’s name, indicating a coordinated effort by scammers.

To combat this growing issue, the Better Business Bureau is urging residents to report any suspicious packages. “The BBB partners with the Federal Trade Commission and with the Attorney General of Florida to be able to work on these cases. The more reports we receive, the more the local authorities can do something about it,” Lavin stated.

If you receive an unsolicited package, the best course of action is to dispose of it immediately without scanning any QR codes or providing personal information. Reporting these incidents can help authorities track down and stop the scammers responsible.

For those who have already fallen victim to this scam, it is crucial to monitor bank accounts and personal information for any signs of fraudulent activity. Watson expressed her hope that nothing would come of her experience, but she remains vigilant.

If you have been affected by this scam, you can report it to the Better Business Bureau or contact 7Investigates at 305-627-CLUE or 954-921-CLUE.