Amazon Review ‘Scam’ Hits Lubbock
Another day, another scam on the South Plains. But this one might actually benefit you. Then again, maybe not.
I read an article on Fox News earlier today talking about this very topic, and lo and behold while at lunch a friend of mine told me some of the same things have happened to him.
From Fox News:
Here’s how the scam works: a seller trying to boost the ratings of their own merchandise sets up a fake email account to create an Amazon profile, then purchases the items with a gift card and ships them to the address of a random person. Once the package is delivered, the owner of the Amazon account is then listed as a “verified buyer” of the product and can write a positive review of it that gets higher placement on product pages because of their status, James Thomson, a former business consultant for Amazon, told the Boston Globe.
Now, if this doesn't bother you, no harm, no foul. You got a free product and a review was gained on a product. Shady? Yes. Illegal? No.
Some people are reporting their credit cards have been charged for these mystery packages, but unless someone has hacked your account, I highly doubt someone else can charge you for a product you didn't order.
Also, the FTC reminds you:
Q. Am I obligated to return or pay for merchandise I never ordered?
A. No. If you receive merchandise that you didn’t order, you have a legal right to keep it as a free gift.
Q. Must I notify the seller if I keep unordered merchandise without paying for it?
A. Although you have no legal obligation to notify the seller, you may write the seller and offer to return the merchandise, provided the seller pays for shipping and handling.
So enjoy your free stuff, or just donate it to some organization if you don't want it!