Random Amazon packages - should I do anything?

July 29, 2021 12:37 PM

I recently started getting Amazon packages addressed to “Jenny Smith” (but not actually that name) at my address. Is this likely to be a brushing scam even though the packages aren’t addressed to me?

So far, I’ve received five separate packages over about three weeks. I reported the first three to Amazon, and they clearly don’t care at all and told me to keep them or toss them. The packages seem to be pretty random - a necklace, a kid’s toy, a flashlight, etc. After the first two arrived, I posted on a local facebook group to ask if anyone knew a Jenny or Jennifer Smith and no one did. Via googling, there appear to be a handful of people with that name in the United States, but none in my area (or even in my state). I have lived here for several years - I occasionally get mail for people who lived at this address previously, but had never seen this particular name so I know it’s not a former tenant.

What are my obligations here - do I need to keep reporting them to Amazon, or can I just assume that if Amazon cared they’d stop sending “Jenny Smith” packages to this address?

posted by insectosaurus to Grab Bag (6 answers total)

If you happen to be at home when they arrive, refuse them. Amazon needs feedback that hits its wallet.

It's also possible that Jenny is a real person with an insignificant social media presence who lives on Insectosaurus Drive where you live on Insectosaurus Way.
posted by Sunburnt at 2:09 PM on July 29, 2021

I believe it is a brushing scam. I think it is being done for the reviews. They will post a review using Jenny Smith name. THe only difference between this and the brushing scam linked is I doubt they have your personal information. My guess is your address was picked out somewhat at random based on geographical and economical criteria.

I might let a non emergency police line know that this is happening. Just for the record in case it ever turns into something bigger. I would keep the items I wanted and give away or trash the rest.
posted by AugustWest at 3:12 PM on July 29, 2021

I had this happen to me, and I went through the same trying-to-contact-amazon-where-no-one-cares. What it eventually turned out to be was, someone had signed up on Amazon and had mistyped their own address. They eventually figured out why they weren't getting their packages and showed up at my door. Once they proved they were who they said they were, I happily gave them all their stuff.
posted by Troupe of trained rats at 4:03 PM on July 29, 2021

It's a brushing scam or someone with a huge address goof.

The product values being low suggests it's more likely to be brushing scam.
posted by kschang at 4:34 PM on July 29, 2021

You have no obligations here. Especially you have no obligation to do free labor for Amazon. Keep the stuff or give it to someone or toss it as appropriate.
posted by fritley at 5:41 PM on July 29, 2021

The seed thing last year probably wasn't a brushing scam so much as people forgetting they ordered stuff and getting something that was only partway correct. Are you on some sort of list for gifts?
posted by fiercekitten at 8:47 PM on July 29, 2021