The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is working with USDA to investigate multiple reports of consumers receiving unsolicited packages of seeds in the mail that appear to be sent from China and other countries.

USDA believes these packages may be the result of a “brushing scam,” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales.

Most of the mail misleadingly states the packages contain jewelry, but actually contain seeds of varying size, color and shape. The USDA is collecting the seeds and packaging to determine if they are of concern to agriculture or the environment.

Consumers who have received unsolicited seeds should take the following steps:

“While the seeds are not expected to be harmful to humans or pets, they could contain an invasive species or accidently introduce a pest or disease that could pose a serious risk to agriculture or the environment,” says Robin Rosenbaum, MDARD’s state plant regulatory official. “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and assistance in safeguarding Michigan agriculture and natural resources.”

For more information on MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pesticide Management Division, visit michigan.gov/mdard.

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