Amazon customers caught up in scarf scam

Random Amazon customers are being targeted by sellers in what is known as a "brushing" scam, according to Which?

The consumer organisation said "dodgy" retailers were sending out "Suzhichou" branded scarves to boost sales volumes and create fake reviews on the website.

The "sales" then help their products rank higher in search results.

Amazon said "brushing" affects all online marketplaces and it had "robust processes" in place to deal with the problem.

Which? said while worrying there was no cause for panic and customers should report the unwanted package to Amazon.

Brooke North received one of the scarves last month: "I thought it was weird because I didn't order it. I was going to put it in the bin but I gave it to my niece instead because she goes horse riding and it was covered in horses.

"I didn't get in touch with Amazon because it was just posted through the letterbox with 'Suzhichou' printed on the box."