Amazon Seller Scam Confuses Recipients of Unordered Package
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 17: Packages rest on the steps of a home in Boston on Dec. 17, 2019. Late deliveries, sidelined shipments, and lost packages this holiday season have many online shoppers in Massachusetts wondering whether their Amazon memberships are past their Prime. Adobe Analytics estimates Americans will spend a staggering $143.7 billion online this season. The dominant player is Amazon, whose promise of one- or two-day shipping for its Prime members is driving the bulk of those sales. But all those smile-emblazoned packages are taking a different route to customers doorsteps this year, and its affecting delivery times. Several customers interviewed said theyd waited a week or more past the expected delivery date, and at least one said his package seems to be lost. Amazon and FedEx, which previously handled a portion of the e-commerce giants air and ground deliveries, severed ties earlier this year.
I think if this happened to me I would have mixed emotions. On one hand, I would feel so excited, that feeling of butterflies in your stomach on Christmas day when you see a wrapped box with your name on it. On the other hand, I would be nervous and scared and wonder why my front porch was filled with presents. Reality would kick in and I’d start to wonder why on earth is my front porch like a Christmas tree to house all these gifts.
Let me get to the story. Imagine stepping out your front door and finding a bunch of Amazon packages on your porch. Part of me would be jumping for joy because I love presents! United Press International says a Woodside, California man, named John DeFiore, recently received dozens of Amazon packages that he never ordered. According to reports from United Press International, DeFiore found himself with deliveries ranging from solar panel cables to a video game console and even a portable foot spa. John thought this was just a mistake. What sparked DeFiore’s concern was when he received a bill for $459 for a sofa he had not purchased.
When John DeFiore contacted Amazon they informed him that he might be a victim of a ‘brushing scam.’ This type of scam involves Amazon sellers sending packages to random addresses, like DeFiore’s. The sellers do this to create the appearance of legitimate transactions and inflate their positive reviews artificially. So, the sellers do all that to boost their ratings and hopefully get real sales in return.
For me, it is a wake-up call and it should be for us all. This is not only a reminder to keep an eye out for unexpected packages, but to periodically check all of our account statements. Advice from me to you- ‘when life gives you mystery packages, make sure to check your credit card statements!’ Don’t be a victim of a brushing scam.
7 Best Pop Christmas Song Covers
Christmas music has been widely covered by artists of all genres for generations. Some songs date as far back as the mid-19th century, like “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” “The First Noel,” “Jingle Bells,” and “O Christmas Tree.” In modern times, pop singers have blessed the radio waves with their renditions of holiday classics and carols. Some artists have dedicated entire albums to Christmas, sharing their joy for the holiday. Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Beach Boys came out with Christmas albums in the 50s and 60s. Fast-forward to 1994, and Mariah Carey became the self-proclaimed “Queen of Christmas” with her album Merry Christmas — the first of two Christmas albums. Her smash hit, “All I Want For Christmas is You,” has earned her between $600,000 to $1 million each December in royalties. However, Carey has been sued several times over the “Queen of Christmas” title.
In the 2000s, it seemed like every pop star wanted to emulate Carey’s Christmas success by releasing Christmas albums of their own. NSYNC, Destiny’s Child, Christina Aguilera, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Josh Groban, and Taylor Swift all released holiday albums. By the 2010’s, even more pop artists released Christmas albums: Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande (she released two), Kylie Minogue, Michael Bublé, Sia, Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson, and Gwen Stefani. In recent years, the Backstreet Boys, Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, and Cher all came out with new Christmas albums, some for the first time ever. Programming dedicated to the holiday often features Christmas specials featuring these pop stars, showcasing their unique renditions of the seasonal favorites. In 2023, Mariah Carey reunited with Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson reunited for a live performance of their 2020 holiday collaboration, “Oh, Santa!” for Carey’s Christmas tour stop in New York City.
Take a look below at our top seven picks of the best pop Christmas song covers:
Meet Maryann, who has been chasing magic since the early 90s. Back then, she hosted a love and dedication show at nights on Magic. Talk about romantic vibes! Since then, she traded her evening slot for mornings. When she’s not talking to you on the air, she’s living the glamorous life of a chicken, duck, pigeon, and German Short-Haired Pointer mom. Since Joel can never follow what she says, there is an entire feature called " What are you Talking About" at 9:10. Running is her secret to staying out of trouble – or at least staying ahead of the extra pounds. She has a husband named Matt, and a son named Zack, who she says makes her world a little adventure.
