Brushing scams are striking nearby towns again. Brushing scams are when you receive an unauthorized package from a third party. This usually means that your data has been leaked. These scams could be used to help third parties increase positive reviews or to introduce invasive plant or insect species into the United States. The brushing scams in our region have involved unsolicited seeds, hence most likely a way to introduce foreign species or plant pathogens into the United States.
If you become a victim of an unsolicited seed-brushing scam, do not throw the seeds in the regular trash or compost, as this could cause them to germinate. Return the seeds to the original packaging, place them in a ziploc bag, and freeze them. Please contact your local extension office or the Kansas Department of Ag (KDA). The KDA may want to sample them, or you will be provided with specific steps to dispose of the unsolicited seeds.
The next step is to double check your bank accounts and credit cards for unathorized charges. Pay special attention to places like Amazon or eBay.
If you happen to open the seeds, ensure you thoroughly wipe down any surface they may have touched and wash your hands. As some seeds could be treated with fungicides or pesticides as an attack on local agriculture.
It may be tempting but absolutely do not plant these unsolicited seeds.
If you have any questions you can contact the KDA Plant Protection and Weed Control Program at 785-564-6698 or KDA.PPWC@ks.gov You can contact the Stanton County Extension Office at 620-492-2240 or kcjones@ksu.edu
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