Multiple states are issuing warnings not to plant unsolicited seeds.
Unsolicited packages of seeds have been reported in several states. The packages, based on photographs and statements from officials, appear to have been shipped by China’s state-owned postal company and contain Chinese lettering on the exterior. States from coast to coast have been urging residents to report the unexpected deliveries to their local agriculture departments over concerns that the seeds could be invasive or harmful species.
“At this time, we are not sure what the seeds are and therefore are urging everyone to be exceedingly vigilant,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black also said in a statement. “If you have received one of these packages in the mail, please use extreme caution by not touching the contents and securing the package in a plastic bag.”
While the exact motive for the shipments isn’t known, some officials suspect it’s part of an online scam called “brushing”. Brushing is an exploit by a vendor used to bolster product ratings and increase visibility online by shipping an inexpensive product to an unwitting receiver and then submitting positive reviews on the receiver’s behalf under the guise of a verified owner.
If you receive an unsolicited packages of seeds from China you are urged to contact your local authorities so they can dispose of them properly.