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As I understand, these shipments are typically part of a review fraud system where an item is "bought" using a stolen account and a review left in its name. But

As I understand, these shipments are typically part of a review fraud system where an item is "bought" using a stolen account and a review left in its name. But in order to show up as a verified purchase Amazon requires tracking information. To make it appear that the item was actually mailed, a nominally priced item is sent, some cheap seeds in a small envelope. But Amazon doesn't know that, it sees a completed shipment and assumes it's for the item being reviewed, which is something other than seeds. In other words, banning sales completely misses the point and won't stop the flow of the mystery seeds. Assuming that's what's actually going on.

myself248 6y ago
I've received several products I didn't order, as part of this fraud. One is actually a forehead thermometer that's come in really handy lately, thanks scammers! ;) In order for the seeds to be part of this fraud, the listing also has to be changed, as I understand it. Initially the listing is for seeds, and the seeds have the right ASIN and the orders are fulfilled and all these newly-created fraudulent accounts are "verified purchasers". Then they edit the listing to be for batteries, for example. All these verified-purchaser accounts now come and leave battery reviews on the battery listing, propelling it to the top of the battery ranking. So another part of stopping this scam is making it harder for sellers to edit their listings to completely change the product being listed. Fixing typos and adding photos, sure, but larger changes should be reviewed somehow. Unless we all misunderstand what's going on, as you said.
- pbhjpbhj 6y ago
  It would be super-easy for Amazon to not allow listings to change the product type. Your reasoning must be wrong, or Amazon is consciously complicit?? I assumed they needed a tracking code for a delivery in USA, that Amazon can verify a delivery was made using it, but can't verify the goods sent. If I'm right then having tracking data include the package weight would go some way towards stopping the fraud - at least for heavy products. I wonder if shipping companies ever offer a 'verified item' system - they could have the recipient open the pack, photograph the contents and include with delivery details. Or, maybe an xray outline of goods.
  - Scoundreller 6y ago
    Or at least the weight/dimensions of the package. At least in Canada, anything tracked has this all keyed in and shows on the receipt, dunno why they can’t have it pullable electronically too for verification.
  - myself248 6y ago
    Oh I love the xray snapshot idea! I've heard of people specifying "hold at depot for me to pick up" on valuable shipments, partly to thwart porch pirates, but more to bolster their case in the event of missing/wrong/damaged contents. Open the package and inspect the goods right there in the lobby, in full view of the clerk and coverage of their security cameras. I'm realizing that if one has a home security camera that covers one's porch, one could do something very similar (although not quite as airtight) by simply opening the package on the porch in the view of that camera. Hmmmmm.

myself248 6y ago

I've received several products I didn't order, as part of this fraud. One is actually a forehead thermometer that's come in really handy lately, thanks scammers! ;) In order for the seeds to be part of this fraud, the listing also has to be changed, as I understand it. Initially the listing is for seeds, and the seeds have the right ASIN and the orders are fulfilled and all these newly-created fraudulent accounts are "verified purchasers". Then they edit the listing to be for batteries, for example. All these verified-purchaser accounts now come and leave battery reviews on the battery listing, propelling it to the top of the battery ranking. So another part of stopping this scam is making it harder for sellers to edit their listings to completely change the product being listed. Fixing typos and adding photos, sure, but larger changes should be reviewed somehow. Unless we all misunderstand what's going on, as you said.

pbhjpbhj 6y ago
It would be super-easy for Amazon to not allow listings to change the product type. Your reasoning must be wrong, or Amazon is consciously complicit?? I assumed they needed a tracking code for a delivery in USA, that Amazon can verify a delivery was made using it, but can't verify the goods sent. If I'm right then having tracking data include the package weight would go some way towards stopping the fraud - at least for heavy products. I wonder if shipping companies ever offer a 'verified item' system - they could have the recipient open the pack, photograph the contents and include with delivery details. Or, maybe an xray outline of goods.
- Scoundreller 6y ago
  Or at least the weight/dimensions of the package. At least in Canada, anything tracked has this all keyed in and shows on the receipt, dunno why they can’t have it pullable electronically too for verification.
- myself248 6y ago
  Oh I love the xray snapshot idea! I've heard of people specifying "hold at depot for me to pick up" on valuable shipments, partly to thwart porch pirates, but more to bolster their case in the event of missing/wrong/damaged contents. Open the package and inspect the goods right there in the lobby, in full view of the clerk and coverage of their security cameras. I'm realizing that if one has a home security camera that covers one's porch, one could do something very similar (although not quite as airtight) by simply opening the package on the porch in the view of that camera. Hmmmmm.