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AIBU?

AIBU to be concerned at random anonymous tat through the post

10 replies

WeirdedOut2019 · 02/12/2019 10:25

I am feeling a bit uneasy about random items being posted to me.

A couple of weeks ago I received an envelope that had two items in it. There was no cover note and the items were a bit strange. Think a random badge and bookmark sort of thing. Very cheap items, the postage probably cost more than they did. The envelope was handwritten and I didn't recognise the handwriting.

I thought it odd at the time but didn't really think about it anymore until a few days ago where I received a larger parcel with a weird gift inside. Think a polystyrene toadstool for an idea as to how random it is!

Polite way to describe it is cheap tat. Again no cover note, no clues on the packaging.

WTF is going on? I get someone might be having a laugh but the items aren't personal enough for it to be funny if you see what I mean, there is no 'in joke' that I think I am missing.

AIBU to find this really weird and even a bit sinister? Has anyone heard of something similar, am I just part of a recent social media joke or something?

It's just so weird!

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FiveFarthings · 02/12/2019 10:33

Do you have Amazon? I’ve heard of something similar as a scam. I’m not sure how it works but it’s something to do with your account being hacked.

www.mentalfloss.com/article/567488/beware-amazon-packages-you-didnt-order-ecommerce-scam

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WeirdedOut2019 · 02/12/2019 10:36

That's interesting, thanks. The parcels weren't from Amazon though, one was even handwritten.

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FiveFarthings · 02/12/2019 11:56

Hmmmm in that case I’m not sure! How long have you lived at the address? Where the parcels for you, with your name on? Not anything for previous owners/tenants?

What sort of job do you do? A friend of mine is a window cleaner (whose business address was his home address)- he cleaned the windows of someone ten years ago and they had mental health problems and started posting him stuff, believing they were in a relationship. Even writing letters which basically read as though he was writing back to her, even though it was all one sided! Eventually he went to the Police and that stopped it.

Hopefully nothing sinister but maybe have a think, could it be related to your job? Or the end of a relationship and someone is trying to freak you out? Fallen out with anyone lately and they’re trying to wind you up?

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WeirdedOut2019 · 02/12/2019 12:03

Lots to think about there. I have lived at this address for a couple of years. Recently got married so very happy. The items were addressed to me in my married name. I haven't fallen out with anyone recently. I work in the legal sector under my maiden name so don't think it could be work related.

I am stumped!

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WishThisWasGin · 02/12/2019 12:09

Apparently it's called brushing. They send you goods then post fake reviews to boost ratings on various sites like Wish etc

www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/new-brushing-scam-sees-shoppers-13944477

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WeirdedOut2019 · 02/12/2019 12:30

Thanks. So I guess I have been "brushed". It feels weirdly violating. At least nothing sinister. I wonder what tat I will receive in the future if any :)

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Softskin88 · 04/12/2019 08:34

It could be something as simple as an elderly relative of a former occupier (possibly with dementia) who thinks they are sending gifts to the former occupier.

99.9% sure it’s nothing to worry about. If it was an online order there would be a cover note.

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Softskin88 · 04/12/2019 08:35

PS- forgot to ask- did the packages have your name on or just address?

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DontPetTheSweatyStuff · 04/12/2019 09:10

I once got a Hershey chocolate bar and a signed dollar bill. Addressed to me, with a US airmail stamp.

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dmmijp · 04/12/2019 09:24

I got sent loads of beads on several occasions turned out to be a scam through eBay and my paypal was being used to buy car partsConfused

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