FBI
Empty envelopes in your mailbox? Do not scan that code
That mystery envelope may be tied to a brushing scam, fake reviews or a QR code trap designed to steal your personal information
By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Fox News
Published June 27, 2026 2:30pm EDT
A plain white envelope shows up in your mailbox. It is addressed to you. It may even have a tracking number. The sender's name looks unfamiliar, but the delivery seems real. Then you open it. Nothing is inside. No note. No product. No explanation.
That would make anyone curious. And that is exactly what scammers may be counting on. Investigators and consumer protection groups have warned that empty envelopes and mystery packages can be tied to a scam known as brushing. In a more dangerous version, the package may include a QR code that tries to send you to a fake website or steal your personal information.
The bigger risk is what scammers hope you do next. If they can get you to scan a QR code, click a link, call a fake number or enter personal information, that strange envelope can turn into a much bigger problem.
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https://www.foxnews.com/tech/empty-envelopes-mailbox-scan-code
