I never ordered anything, yet a strange package showed up at my doorstep — a clear envelope stuffed with unfamiliar seeds, some marked with Chinese writing, others with no label at all. Like many others across the country, I later learned I had become a Victim: Unknowing American Homeowner, caught in a growing wave of suspicious deliveries that officials say could devastate U.S. agriculture if mishandled.
Here in Texas, the situation is escalating fast. Since January 1, at least 126 of these seed packages have been delivered, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture. Officials warn they are appearing more frequently and spreading farther than ever before. What looks harmless is anything but — even a single invasive seed could unleash pests or diseases capable of destroying farms, ranches, natural resources, and the food supply we depend on.
I was never asked. I never consented. Yet my name and address were used anyway — exploited by the Scammer: Overseas Brushing Scam Operators, who ship worthless items to real homes so they can fake online reviews and manipulate e-commerce platforms for profit. My identity, like thousands of others, was used as a tool in their fraud.
Authorities made it clear: do not open these packages. Do not plant the seeds. Report them immediately. The risk is too high. From eastern Texas to states stretching from Florida to New Mexico, victims are being dragged into this scheme without warning.
This isn’t the first time. The same type of seed deliveries flooded the U.S. back in 2020, tied to the same brushing scam tactics. What’s more alarming now is that these packages are slipping past U.S. Customs — the very system designed to stop dangerous organic materials from entering the country.
Officials admit there is a serious failure in the security process. Some of these seeds have already been identified as invasive species and noxious weeds — exactly the kind that could cripple agricultural production if they take root.
As a Victim, I’m being forced to stay alert, report suspicious packages, and help clean up a mess created by faceless Scammers who hide overseas while gambling with our environment, our farmers’ livelihoods, and our national food security.
This isn’t just a scam.
It’s reckless.
It’s invasive.
And it puts every American at risk.