JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In today's Ask Anthony, we're asking you... to be careful.
I received an Amazon package at my front door that I didn't order. After speaking with family and friends, it wasn't a gift either. So, I did some research.
According to the Better Business Bureau, companies, usually foreign, third-party sellers are sending items using your address that they discovered online. They intend to make it appear that you wrote a glowing online review of their merchandise and that you are a verified buyer of that merchandise. They then post a fake, positive review to improve their products' ratings, which means more sales for them. It also means your personal information could be compromised.
Amazon has a whole page devoted to this unsolicited practice. If this happens to you, contact customer service with this information:
- Tell them the number of unwanted packages you received.
- Give them a tracking number found on the shipping label
- Any other information that you feel is important
Amazon says you don't need to return the item. The company will look into your report and could suspend or remove selling privileges for the alleged scammers, withhold payments and even work with law enforcement.