Unsolicited Seed Packages: A Nationwide Scam and Potential Dangers

The Brookfield Seed Mystery

• 💡 Unsolicited packages of seeds have been arriving at homes in Brookfield, Connecticut, with some residents receiving them multiple times in a short period.
• ⚠️ Officials are warning that while the seeds themselves may not be dangerous, the packaging could pose a risk.

Official Response and Seed Identification

• 🔬 A hazmat response was triggered when a concerned resident brought a seed packet to police, but testing revealed the substance to be seeds, not a hazardous material.
• 🌱 The seeds have been identified as a mix of ornamental fruit and vegetables, herbs, and weeds.

The "Brushing Scheme" Explained

• 🎯 These mailings are identified as a "brushing scheme," a practice where sellers send inexpensive items and then post fake reviews to artificially boost sales.
• 🌍 This scam is not isolated to Brookfield, with similar reports surfacing in Alabama, New Mexico, and Texas this year.

Historical Context and Precautions

• ⚠️ In 2020, New York State issued an alert about unsolicited seeds, typically from China, which could introduce invasive species.
• 🚫 Residents are strongly advised not to open the packages, avoid scanning any QR codes on the labels, and to dispose of the packets by wrapping them in duct tape before trashing them.
• 🏠 The scam has affected residents for at least a year, with some initially mistaking the packages for ordered items.