Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) issued a warning on September 13 to residents who may have received unsolicited packages of seeds from China in the mail. Similar cases were reported in 2020 and may be part of a "brushing scam" wherein a vendor ships an inexpensive product to an unwitting receiver and them submits positive online reviews on the receiver's behalf in an attempt to bolster product ratings and increase visibility online.

The seeds are sent in a variety of packaging including letters or small colorful parcels, some labeled as jewelry. Most...