SINGAPORE: A Terrifying Surprise of Unwanted Packages

Normally, receiving a package at your doorstep brings joy after a hard day’s work, but for Mr. Terrence Chong, this was anything but a pleasant surprise. Over the course of two and a half months this year, Terrence, 46, and his wife became the unwitting recipients of daily deliveries containing empty or incorrectly labeled parcels that they never ordered.

At first, Terrence, who is employed at a private educational institution, assumed that the parcels were simply being misdelivered to their new home. Having only just moved in a few weeks earlier, they checked with the previous owners who confirmed they did not receive any unusual deliveries during their stay, nor did they encounter any when the residence was being renovated.

Packages Continue to Flood Their Doorstep

However, the problem escalated rather quickly; packages continued to flood their doorstep, predominantly from major e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada. Terrence recounted, “On better days, we’d get three or four parcels, but mostly it’s seven or eight. Sometimes in the morning I’d bring in a few, only for several more to arrive by afternoon.” The couple tallied over 100 of these unwanted packages.

Most of the parcels were particularly suspicious, labeled as ceiling fans, Coach wallets, or projectors, yet they were too small and flat to contain any of those items. In an attempt to resolve the issue, CNA (Channel News Asia) reached out to Shopee on behalf of Terrence. Shortly thereafter, the platform informed him that it had identified the sellers and buyers responsible for sending the parcels to his address and had banned the involved accounts. Following this intervention, the unsolicited packages finally ceased.

The Dark Truth Behind Brushing Scams

As it turns out, Terrence suspected he might have fallen victim to a scam known as "brushing." But what exactly is brushing? According to Associate Professor Huong Ha, who leads the business program at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), brushing involves sending low-value items or empty parcels to a real address to generate fake reviews under the addressee's name. By doing so, unscrupulous sellers inflate their product's ratings and visibility on e-commerce platforms, taking advantage of algorithms that favor positive feedback.

Bryan Tan, Chairman of the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore (ASAS), stated that the body would engage with e-commerce platforms to tackle the issue of fake reviews where necessary. Conversely, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) reported that it had received no formal complaints about brushing scams. While the regulator can take action against unfair trade practices, brushing might not qualify under existing laws, leaving consumers vulnerable.

Guarding Against Brushing Scams

To safeguard themselves against such deception, CCCS recommends that shoppers exercise caution when using online reviews and remain watchful for suspicious feedback, especially those with overtly positive or negative slants. One can hardly dismiss the potential fallout from brushing scams: diminished trust in online marketplaces and a compromised experience for both consumers and honest sellers alike.

Consequences and Aftermath of the Situation

The consequences of the Chongs' situation underscored the severity of the problem. As noted by Associate Professor Ha, the staggering number of parcels suggests it was unlikely to be a mere logistical error. The investigation revealed no financial loss on the part of Mr. Chong, leading the police to advise him to coordinate with Shopee directly.

Despite efforts to resolve the situation, the couple was left feeling uneasy. “I’m not seeking compensation; just the assurance that I won’t receive these parcels anymore,” Terrence said. The sheer weight of uncertainty was disquieting, as he tried to make sense of why someone would misuse their address.

Concerns About Personal Data Security

As for the possibility of their information being compromised, investigations pointed to either a data breach or a seller misusing an address from a past transaction. However, Shopee reassured them that their personal data remained secure and had not been accessed illegitimately from the platform.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Online Shoppers

For now, the relentless packages have ceased, but Terrence has been advised to report any future arrivals to Shopee immediately. As online shopping continues to thrive, consumers must stay vigilant against emerging threats that jeopardize their online security and shopping experiences. Who knows – Terrence's experience could be a wakeup call for online shoppers everywhere, prompting them to scrutinize the integrity of e-commerce platforms!