Law enforcement is warning residents of a recent scam showing up around the holidays.
The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office would like to make the community aware of “brushing” scams, which are rising in popularity.
A “brushing” scam involves an individual who receives a package that they did not order themselves from a place like Amazon.
Often, the package contains products such as Bluetooth speakers or jewelry, along with a QR code to scan to find out who the package is from, as there is no sender information on the package itself.
Once a code is scanned, all the information on the cell phone is sent to scammers.
Scammers will then have total access to the mobile device, including any personal or financial information.
Oftentimes, scammers will use this information to drain bank accounts.
The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who receives such a package to throw away the QR code and not scan it under any circumstances.
“Brushing” scams are prevalent as many are buying and sending gifts during the holidays.
