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While there have been no reports locally, a recent scam has been showing up in many states, according to information shared on the Murfreesboro Police Department’s Facebook page.

A “brushing” scam is when someone receives an unexpected gift or item not ordered in the mail. Examples of gifts include, rings, bracelets, necklaces, Bluetooth speaker, etc.

The gift will have the recipient’s address, but not include the sender’s information or be from a known retailer.

When the recipient opens the package to see what it is and possibly who sent it, there is a QR code to scan and learn the identity of the sender.

Once the code is scanned, all the information from that cell phone will be sent to scammers. They receive all access to the phone. All personal and financial information is accessible to the scammers and often the victim’s bank accounts are drained.

The gift can be kept or thrown away, but the QR code should NOT be scanned for any reason. QR code scams are nothing new. These scams show up in all places, including parking meters.

Inform your family members about the scam and avoid scanning any unknown QR codes included in the package.