BBB Scam Alert: Don't plant mystery seeds from China

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Unmarked seed packets are arriving in mailboxes around the United States and Canada with no explanation or reason, and with a return address in China. The package bears the name "China Post" and may be labeled as jewelry, small electronics, or some other item.

A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) official recently said in a statement that 14 different species of the seeds have been identified so far. They include seeds of flowering plants, herbs and vegetables, and they believe this to likely be a form of a brushing scam,. BBB recently reported an increase in brushing scams affecting consumers. Scammers mail lightweight (inexpensive to ship) packages, such as ping pong balls and seeds, to people who did not order the merchandise. They do this in order to create fake customer profiles with real names on e-commerce sites, and then create false positive reviews for their products and/or company.

Out of precaution, the USDA is strongly encouraging recipients to save the seeds, along with the packaging and mailing label, in a plastic bag, and contact their state plant regulatory official or Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) state plant health director. Experts also advise washing hands if accidently handling the seeds, again as a precaution. Recipients should hold on to the seeds, and the original packaging, until someone from the state department of agriculture or APHIS contacts them. Under no circumstances should anyone plant the seeds.

APHIS is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and state departments of agriculture to prevent the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protect U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds. Sources at the U.S. Postal Inspector Services said they are also looking into the situation.

In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is investigating reports of the seeds being delivered to Canadians as well. Residents should contact the regional CFIA office if they receive the seeds, and they should be sure to keep the seeds, packaging, and mailing label until a CFIA inspector contacts them.

BBB recommends the following tips if one of these packets arrive in the mail:

Check your personal information. The package may be a sign that your personal information has been compromised. Keep a close eye on your credit report, bank accounts and credit card bills. Looking up your own name and address using a search engine can, in some cases, reveal how public your information has become.
Do not open the seed packet and avoid opening outer packaging or mailing materials, if possible.
Do not plant the seeds or discard them in trash that will be landfilled.
Limit contact with the seed package until further guidance on handling, disposal, or collection is available from the USDA.

Questions regarding shipments of unsolicited merchandise should be directed to your local BBB, or visit BBB.org.

Report possible scams to BBB Scam Tracker. Sign up for BBB Scam Alerts.

BBB Serving Northern Nevada and Utah contributed to this article.