Strange Seeds Arrive In PA Mailboxes: What To Do If You Get Them

HARRISBURG, PA — Local officials are warning residents of an odd scheme involving strange seeds mailed to unsuspecting Pennsylvania homes. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding warned Pennsylvanians about the scam this week, saying residents should not plant the seeds and should instead report the package to authorities.

According to Redding, the scheme involves unordered and mislabeled seeds shipped from overseas. The seeds, which are often labelled as jewelry, are likely a part of a scam known as "brushing.”

The seeds, while not believed to be harmful to humans, may contain plant diseases, weeds or invasive plants that could be detrimental to Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry and ecosystem, Redding said.

In a warning this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture made clear: "Do not plant seeds from unknown origins."

In a news release Tuesday, Redding said seeds sold in Pennsylvania are "rigorously tested to ensure that they are genetically pure and regulated to ensure that what’s on the label is what’s in the package."

He confirmed that planting seeds without knowing what they are "can wreak havoc with our environment, destroy agricultural crops and incur costly control efforts for years to come.”

The brushing scam, which has prompted additional warnings from area authorities, involves companies attempting to boost online sales by purchasing their own products through fake buyer accounts. The products are shipped to a real address, to someone who didn’t order the item. The seller writes a positive review of their items from the fake buyer account.

In the past, scammers have sent empty packages but recent packages have been filled with unlabeled seeds, Redding said.

Officials across the country are warning of the scheme. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources said this week that several residents in that state have also received seeds, The Boston Globe reported.

Pennsylvania residents who receive unsolicited seeds are asked to retain the seeds and packaging. If opened, double bag and seal the seeds. Do not plant them or discard loose seeds.

Then, report the package to the US Department of Agriculture’s by calling 800-877-3835 or emailing SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov. USDA will provide further instructions.