Here are some of the top stories we're following for Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Wochit
The United States Department of Agriculture is asking those who receive mysterious unsolicited packets of seeds in the mail to send them to their state Department of Agriculture.
The USDA is trying to understand why certain individuals were targeted in the scam and determine whether the seeds present a threat to U.S. agriculture or the environment.
In a press release, the Delaware Department of Agriculture said residents from all 50 states, Canada, Australia and the European Union have reported similar unwanted shipments. The agency says residents should not plant the seeds as they may be an invasive species.
So far, Delaware has processed more than 40 packages of seeds to be tested by the USDA. Of the seeds that have been identified so far, the USDA has found a mix of ornamental, fruit, vegetable, herb and weed seeds.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mysterious seed packets from China have been showing up nationwide. Now they're in Delaware
Officials believe the shipments are "part of a brushing scam where shippers send out low-cost items at their own expense in order to rank higher on e-commerce sites."
"Brushing helps the seller create a more legitimate appearance to their profiles," the department said.
The packages, which appear to be from China, are sent by mail and have Chinese writing on them. Some have contained jewelry or another inexpensive item, in addition to the seed packet.
Here is what to do if you receive a seed packet, according to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
- Save the seeds, the packaging and the mailing label.
- Do not open the seed packets.
- If the packets are already open, place the seeds and packaging in a zip-lock bag.
- Out of an abundance of caution, wear gloves while touching the material.
- Complete an intake form online at agriculture.delaware.gov/plant-industries and submit it along with the seed packet. The form will help investigators gain an understanding of why you were targeted in the scam.
- Packages and forms should be submitted to 2320 S. Du Pont Highway, Dover 19934 in person or by mail.
Contact Brandon Holveck at bholveck@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @holveck_brandon.
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The Link LonkAugust 05, 2020 at 06:05PM
https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2020/08/05/delaware-asking-you-send-mysterious-seed-packets-china/3302265001/
Delaware is asking you to send in mysterious seed packets from China - The News Journal
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