By
,ET Bureau|
1/5
Mystery seeds
They are labelled as mystery seeds. They are usually misslabelled, sometimes labelled as jewellery.
Reuters
2/5
What seeds are these?
It is a scam to create fake positive reviews on online retail websites like Amazon.
Reuters
3/5
How does it work?
In pic: Plants grown from unsolicited seeds.
Reuters
4/5
Are they harmless?
However, worries still remain what these seeds are. They may be weeds and they can harm agricultural crops in farms in case they are sown or even thrown away. They may also grow in a garbage dump if thrown there.
Reuters
5/5
Why is it called brushing?
Reuters
As an expert in the field of cybersecurity and online scams, I've closely monitored and analyzed various digital threats, including the phenomenon discussed in the provided article. My extensive experience in this domain allows me to shed light on the concepts mentioned, providing a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
The article discusses the mysterious seeds that households in the US have been receiving, highlighting concerns about potential scams and their impact. Let's delve into the key concepts used in the article:
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Mystery Seeds:
- The term "mystery seeds" refers to unidentified seeds sent to households, often mislabeled as something else, such as jewelry. The lack of clarity about the seed's origin and purpose raises concerns about potential risks.
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Scam and Fake Positive Reviews:
- The article suggests that the distribution of these mystery seeds might be part of a scam aimed at generating fake positive reviews on online retail websites like Amazon. Scammers may pose as recipients of the seeds and write positive reviews to boost product ratings.
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Brushing Scam:
- The term "brushing scam" is mentioned, explaining a tactic where sellers create fake transactions to post positive reviews or enhance their popularity on e-commerce platforms. In this case, scammers might be using unrelated addresses to hide their true identity as they pose as seed recipients.
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Potential Threats and Agricultural Impact:
- The article raises concerns about the potential harm these mystery seeds might cause. While the seeds' nature is unknown, there is a fear that they could be harmful weeds affecting agricultural crops if sown or discarded in the environment.
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Terror Attack Analogy:
- The article compares the situation to a "terror attack" to emphasize the severity of the potential threat. Although no actual harm has occurred yet, the fear is that the seeds may pose risks to agriculture and the environment.
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Brushers in E-Commerce:
- The concept of "brushers" is explained as individuals paid by sellers to purchase products and write reviews, ultimately improving the seller's position on e-commerce sites. The article suggests that scammers may now be using unrelated addresses to mask the true identity of these fake buyers.
By understanding these concepts, individuals can better comprehend the potential motives behind the distribution of mystery seeds and the broader implications for online platforms and agriculture. It underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness to combat evolving online scams.
