Target Brushing / Unsolicited Parcel Scam
You receive unexpected packages with Target-branded packing materials you never ordered — a sign that a third-party seller is using your personal details in a brushing scheme to generate fake verified reviews.
Part of: Brushing: Unsolicited Parcel Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Target's marketplace platform allows third-party sellers to list products alongside Target's own inventory. Some dishonest sellers in this marketplace abuse the system by running brushing campaigns — ordering their own cheap products to be shipped to real consumer addresses without the recipient's knowledge, then posting fake verified-purchase reviews under an account created with the recipient's identity.
Target-branded packaging makes the unsolicited parcel appear more legitimate to recipients who shop at Target regularly and might assume it is a delayed order or a surprise gift. This appearance of legitimacy is exactly what makes the brushing scam effective — it reduces the chance that the recipient reports the parcel as suspicious.
The underlying concern beyond the unwanted parcel is that someone has your name and postal address. This information was likely obtained from a data breach or a publicly available record, and the same data may be used in more serious identity fraud.
How this scam works on the Target brand
The parcel arrives with a Target return address or Target-branded tape. Inside is a low-cost item — often a small electronic accessory, jewellery, or household item — with no gift message and no invoice. In some cases, the item comes with a QR code inviting the recipient to 'leave a review' or 'register your item'.
Soon after receipt, a suspicious five-star review may appear for a third-party seller on Target.com from an account using a slight variation of the recipient's name. The review boosts the seller's ranking and credibility in search results.
Scanners of the enclosed QR code may be taken to a fake Target survey or a data collection page asking for personal information in exchange for a gift voucher — turning the parcel into a secondary phishing vector.
Common red flags
- A parcel with Target branding arrives addressed to you but you placed no Target order
- No matching order appears in your Target account order history
- The parcel contains a low-value item with no personalised message or gift note
- A QR code inside invites you to 'review your product' or 'claim your reward'
- You notice a Target.com review posted from an account bearing a name similar to yours for a seller you never bought from
- The return address on the parcel is an overseas fulfilment centre rather than a US Target location
How to protect yourself
- Log in to your Target account and confirm the parcel does not correspond to any genuine order
- Do not scan any QR codes or follow any links included in the parcel
- Search your name on HaveIBeenPwned.com to check if your details appear in known data breaches
- Monitor your credit report for any signs your name and address are being used fraudulently
- You are not required to return or pay for unsolicited goods in most jurisdictions
- Report the parcel to Target's customer service at 1-800-440-0680 so they can investigate the marketplace seller
How to report it
- Report the parcel and any suspicious accounts to Target's Trust & Safety via target.com or 1-800-440-0680
- File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- If you believe your identity details are being misused, visit identitytheft.gov for a personalised recovery plan
- Notify the postal service if unsolicited parcels continue to arrive
Frequently asked questions
Does receiving a brushing parcel mean my Target account has been hacked?
Not necessarily. The brusher only needs your name and address — they may have used a separate account they created. Log in to your Target account and check for any sign of unauthorised access, but the parcel alone does not confirm a breach of your actual account.
Should I return the parcel to Target?
You can contact Target's customer service to report the parcel, but in most jurisdictions unsolicited goods are yours to keep or dispose of — you are not legally obligated to return them or pay for them.
Who is responsible for stopping brushing?
Marketplaces like Target are working to detect and remove sellers who engage in brushing. You can help by reporting suspicious packages and noting any fake reviews associated with your name to Target's Trust & Safety team.