Beware of Brushing Scam: Police Issue Warning to North Dakota Residents

Residents of North Dakota should be aware of a dangerous scam sweeping across the state. The Fargo Police Department issued a warning in September, followed by the Bismarck Police Department in December, about a "brushing" scam that appears to be moving westward and has already affected many people in these areas.

So, what exactly is a brushing scam? This con involves receiving an unexpected package in the mail, often appearing to come from a well-known company. The package may contain random items such as rings, bracelets, Bluetooth speakers, or other small gifts. While it may seem like a pleasant surprise, there’s one major red flag: there’s no information about who sent it, and the whole situation looks suspicious.

Inside the package, you might find a QR code that promises to reveal the sender’s identity if scanned. Here’s where the danger lies: DO NOT SCAN THE QR CODE! This is a trap set by scammers to gain access to personal and financial information on your phone.

These scammers can steal your sensitive data if you interact with the QR code, putting you at risk of identity theft, fraud, and financial loss.

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What Should You Do if You Receive One of These Packages?

1. Do not scan any QR codes or interact with the package in any way.
2. Do not provide any personal information to unknown senders.
3. Report the package to the authorities.
4. If you believe you’ve already fallen victim to this scam, take immediate action by reporting it to local authorities or visiting your local Police Department’s official website to file a report.

Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these scammers who are preying on unsuspecting North Dakota residents. Always be cautious of unsolicited packages—especially ones that contain suspicious QR codes.