Dubuque Police Department Warns Residents About Package, QR Code Scams

I've written a great deal about scams impacting residents in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. This is one of the first that's actually impacted me at one point.

Over a year ago, I received a package including several stuffed plush dogs. I didn't order it. My girlfriend, Catherine, didn't order it. There was no invoice in the package, and no explanation. I threw them away. It wasn't until I did some internet sleuthing did I discover that it was part of a larger, strategic scam, one that is becoming prevalent in Dubuque and the Tri-States enough to draw the attention of the Dubuque Police Department.

READ MORE: Iowans Need to Be Aware of These Lawn and Garden Schemes Happening in the Spring/Summer

Dubuque Police's Statement on Package/QR Code Scams:

The Dubuque Police Department took to Facebook to inform the public about scammers sending random items or even empty boxes to people's homes. It's an act known as "brushing." In doing so, scammers can use people's names to post fake online reviews to boost product ratings with the intent to improve real sales.

Dubuque Police added that some of these packages include QR codes directing you to scan them for more information. This is known as "quishing" (QR code-phishing), as the codes lead to phony websites designed to steal personal/financial information:

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While the item may seem like a harmless freebie, it’s often a sign your information is already being used without your knowledge. In some cases, packages are even sent using stolen accounts and then taken after delivery - per the Dubuque Police Department's Facebook page

What to Do if You Receive a Package You Didn't Order:

The Dubuque Police instructed those who receive a package they didn't order to do the following:

• Do not scan QR codes from unknown packages
• Do not engage with unknown senders
• Report suspicious deliveries

You can contact the Dubuque Police Department's non-emergency number at 563-589-4415. Find out more about brushing scams on the USPS' website.