Latest news with #brushing
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Yahoo
The USPS warns Americans of new ‘brushing' scam, says to treat personal info 'like cash' — here's what to know
If a mystery package shows up on your doorstep, don't assume it's a lucky break. It could mean your personal information has been exposed. The U.S. Postal Service is warning Americans about a fast-growing scheme known as a 'brushing' scam. It may look like a harmless delivery, like a keychain, some socks, a random kitchen gadget, but it's often a red flag that cybercriminals have gotten hold of your name and address. Worse, experts say these schemes can be just the beginning of a broader attempt to exploit your identity or financial accounts. Here's how the scam works, what it means for your data and what to do if you've been targeted. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Brushing scams involve unsolicited deliveries from third-party online sellers looking to boost their product ratings and visibility. These sellers send cheap, low-value items to real names and addresses, then leave fake 'verified' reviews, often posing as the recipient. 'These scams occur when a customer receives unsolicited packages containing low-cost items like household goods,' U.S. Postal Inspector Kelly McNulty told KOB 4 News in Albuquerque. 'These packages are often sent by online retailers or third parties who use compromised personal information to create fake transactions.' In other words: if you get a package you didn't order, someone may already have your data, and they're using it for profit. At first glance, a free item might not raise alarms. But it should. Brushing scams don't just manipulate e-commerce platforms. They suggest that your personal details, including your full name, phone number, home address and possibly even payment info, have been scraped, sold or stolen. That's information that can be used in identity theft, credit fraud, phishing scams or even attempts to bypass two-factor authentication. 'This is about more than just a package,' McNulty warned. 'Treat your personal information like cash.' The brushing scam warning comes as part of a broader initiative by the USPS called 'Project Safe Delivery,' launched in 2023 to combat mail-related crime. Since its rollout, the program has led to 2,800 arrests, including over 1,200 this year alone, tied to mail theft and attacks on postal workers. Now, the USPS is working to raise awareness about fraud tactics targeting consumers directly, especially as scams become more personalized and harder to detect. Read more: You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to . In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how If you receive a mystery box in the mail, don't panic, but do take action. Here's what the Postal Service and cybersecurity experts recommend: Report it: Go to and file a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Reporting these scams helps federal investigators trace the origin and stop future incidents. Audit your accounts: Check your online shopping, banking and credit card accounts for any unusual charges. It's also smart to request a free credit report from Equifax, Experian or TransUnion to spot any suspicious activity. Update your passwords: Even if you don't see fraud, it's a good idea to change your passwords, especially for your email, Amazon, bank and any accounts where financial or personal data is stored. Use a password manager: Password managers generate and store complex, unique passwords for every account, making it harder for hackers to break in if your data has already been exposed. Don't engage: You are not obligated to return or review the item. In fact, doing so may validate your address to scammers and lead to more unwanted deliveries. Most importantly, don't scan any QR codes on the package. These codes can lead to malicious websites that steal personal data, install malware or phish for sensitive information, postal workers say. While brushing scams are grabbing attention, USPS is also flagging another fraud risk: counterfeit postage. 'If you see large discounts on stamps, like 40 to 50% off, it's probably too good to be true,' McNulty said. These fakes often pop up on social media or discount sites and can result in your mail being rejected or you facing penalties. To stay safe, always buy stamps directly from USPS or licensed retailers. Scams like brushing or counterfeit postage don't just waste your time, they can open the door to financial and identity theft. So, if something feels off, a strange delivery, a fishy discount, or a request for personal info, don't ignore it. Protect yourself by treating your personal data the same way you'd treat your debit card or Social Security number: carefully, and with skepticism. As McNulty puts it: 'Think before you send it.' This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This daily beauty routine could be ruining your hair, experts warn
For those with a hair care routine, a brush is an essential tool for daily upkeep — but brushing hair while it's wet could cause more harm than good. The common habit could permanently weaken hair at a "molecular level," according to Dr. Mehmet Erdogan, co-founder and hair transplant surgeon at Smile Hair Clinic in Istanbul. This could lead to increased breakage and thinning over time. A 2022 study from the University of Manchester reflected this, finding that moisture can change hair's response to stress. Ozempic, Other Semaglutides Linked To Hair Loss: Here's What To Know "When hair gets wet, it undergoes significant physical changes that can affect its ability to handle stress from brushing," Erdogan said in comments shared with Fox News Digital. "The water causes the hair shaft to swell, stretches the cuticle and makes it more susceptible to breakage." Read On The Fox News App Although research has shown that wet hair stretches more than dry hair before breaking, Erdogan clarified that this doesn't mean the hair is more flexible and resilient. "The opposite is true – this stretching damages the internal protein structure, leading to weaker hair over time," he warned. "The brush pulls on swollen, weakened strands, causing them to stretch beyond their capacity. As they dry, they don't return to their original state and remain damaged at a structural level." Men Going Bald Turn To 'New Botox' For Hair Loss Treatment Ashley DiMatteo, owner of Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge in Westchester, New York, told Fox News Digital in an interview that the salon has "definitely seen" damage from brushing wet hair. "Wet hair is more fragile, and rough brushing can cause breakage," she said. "But it's rarely just one issue – hair loss or damage often comes from a combination of factors like stress, hormones, heat styling or chemical treatments." Brianna Delvecchio, a color specialist and hairdresser at DiMatteo's salon, agreed that brushing wet hair can cause breakage, especially while doing so roughly or with the wrong tool. Factors like stress, diet, hormones and overprocessing can also play a role in hair damage, she confirmed. Those who have fine and chemically treated hair – whether colored, permed or relaxed – are "especially susceptible" to wet brushing damage, since their protein structure is "already altered," Erdogan noted. The risks don't mean people should skip brushing altogether, Delvecchio said, as not brushing wet hair can sometimes result in a "knotted, matted mess." "Brushing is necessary — just do it gently and in the right way," she advised. With her salon clients, DiMatteo recommends taking a "gentle approach" to hair, protecting it from heat, avoiding rough brushing and limiting chemical services. "We also take time to talk about scalp health, nutrition and lifestyle, because those all play a role," she told Fox News Digital. "And most importantly, don't ever feel embarrassed or shy to speak to your stylist or local salon. We're here to help." Hair Growth Could Slow Down With This Popular Diet Plan, Study Reveals To lower the risk of hair damage, experts recommend using a wide-tooth comb or flexible detangling brush. "The flexible bristles are great for detangling without too much tension," Delvecchio said. "It's a solid option for all hair types, as long as you're still gentle and patient." The salon owner also suggested using a leave-in product to help soften and hydrate the hair, making it "much easier for the comb to glide through." "Technique matters, too – always start from the bottom and gently work your way up," DiMatteo advised. Adding heat to wet hair can "multiply the damage," Erdogan warned. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter For those with straight hair, it's best to allow it to partially air-dry before combing, according to the hair transplant surgeon. The American Academy of Dermatology Association also recommends this approach. Delvecchio advised going "easy on your hair" overall, especially when it's wet. For more Health articles, visit "Use heat protectant, lower the heat on your tools, avoid overlapping bleach and keep up with trims," she suggested. "Also, brush regularly (wet or dry) to prevent tangles and breakage," she went on. "Hair is delicate, but with the right habits, it can stay strong and healthy."Original article source: This daily beauty routine could be ruining your hair, experts warn
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Receive a random package you didn't order? You may be a victim of a ‘brushing' scheme — here's how it works
Ray Simmons was baffled when an Amazon package containing beet chews landed on his doorstep. 'I did think that maybe someone in my family was playing a joke on me, that they were telling me that I needed to eat healthier,' Simmons shared with WSB-TV Atlanta. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) But the package wasn't a joke. Simmons, as he would come to learn, had unwillingly become the target of a scam known as 'brushing.' The scheme is reportedly designed to exploit consumer data and manipulate online product reviews, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) reports. And while that may seem fairly harmless, USPIS has issued a warning to Americans across the country: if you receive a package that you didn't order, do not scan any QR codes that come with it. The brushing scam involves third-party sellers on e-commerce platforms that send unsolicited, low-value items to random people whose names and addresses were found online. Once the item is shipped, the scammers leave fake five-star reviews online using the recipient's name, or a fake profile made to resemble the recipient. The goal is to make the seller's products appear popular and highly rated in order to gain more visibility and sales. 'They didn't order anything, they received it, and it's generally a household item, a low-value item,' said U.S. Postal Inspector David Gealey. 'They have your personal information, which is easy to get because they can just Google a name and address. It's out there on the web, right?' Although the brushing scam might not directly lead to a financial loss, it signals that your personal information — such as your name and address — is being used without your knowledge. And that personal information could be circulating on unsecured databases or among bad actors online. All of this would be cause for concern, but the dangers of this scam can become a lot more severe if the target does not exercise caution. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Postal inspectors say the real danger comes when these packages include a QR code, which urges recipients to scan for more information or to confirm the delivery. These codes can lead to malicious websites that steal personal data, install malware or phish for sensitive information. 'We do caution customers: do not scan any QR code on the package because sometimes that QR code can lead to a malicious site,' Gealey warned. Fortunately, Simmons' package did not contain a QR code. However, he still took a few necessary steps to protect himself and ensure his Amazon and banking accounts hadn't been compromised. Receiving an unexpected package could indicate that your personal information is being misused. Here's what USPIS recommends. Do not scan QR codes: As we discussed above, scanning QR codes from unreliable sources can bring on a heap of trouble that could lead to stolen personal data or harmful malware installed on your device(s). Do not return the item: You are not legally obligated to return unsolicited items. Simply keeping or discarding the package is safe, but don't follow any instructions that came with it. Check your financial accounts: Review your online bank and credit card statements, as well as your online shopping profiles and Amazon account activity immediately to ensure that your accounts haven't been hacked. Report the package: Notify your local police department, USPIS and/or the Federal Trade Commission about the unsolicited package. Reporting the package can help authorities with their investigation and can potentially prevent others from becoming a victim. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
