DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
SCAM ALERT: Brushing Scam Reported
A new scam is targeting residents through unexpected packages, and it’s already been reported here in DeSoto County. Don’t get caught off guard!
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬: You receive a package you didn’t order—maybe jewelry, a Bluetooth speaker, or another random item. The package may have your address but no information about the sender. There’s often a QR code inside claiming to reveal who sent the gift.
𝐃𝐎 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐐𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐃𝐄. Scanning it can give scammers access to everything on your phone—your personal data, financial information, and even bank accounts.
What should you do? You can keep or toss the item, but never scan any codes from unknown packages. Sheriff Jim Potter encourages you to share this warning with your family and friends—these scams are designed to trick anyone. If you encounter one of these packages, report it to us immediately. Let’s shut this scam down together! #ScamAlert #BrushingScam
