SAN ANTONIO — You've heard your grandparents say it: Nothing in life is free, not even that unsolicited package at your doorstep.
"I was like, 'I didn't buy anything,'" Rickie Rodriguez recalled.
Even though the San Antonio man didn't purchase jewelry, he certainly got some in the mail.
"I was like, 'This is ridiculous.'"
It is ridiculous, but it's popping up all over.
The Better Business Bureau tells KENS 5 unsolicited package schemes have been around for years, but with the wave of seeds from China causing a frenzy, it's brought new attention to a ploy called "brushing."
"What it is is a retailer who uses an address or a name to create positive fake reviews for a product," said Jason Meza with the San Antonio Better Business Bureau.
After sending a product, a schemer can use your name and address to create a verified 5-star review for itself on the product you never even ordered.
"Positive reviews and high sales are the new currency in the digital world," Meza said.
While he adds that a positive review is often the goal for these schemers, he says you may also want to take some steps for your own security.
- Google yourself to make sure your name and address aren't found in places you weren't expecting.
- Change your password for any retail sites you may use.
- Check your credit report to make sure there aren't any new issues.
The BBB also asks you to contact them if you have received an unsolicited package. They also say if there is no return address, you can legally keep the product.