What are the mysterious seeds being mailed?

What are the mysterious seeds being mailed?

The mysterious seed packs from China that hundreds of Americans received in the mail have been identified, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Federal officials warned those who received the seeds not to plant them over fears that some may be invasive species and could destroy native plants and insects.

Why are people receiving seeds in the post?

The most likely explanation for the seeds is that they’re collateral in a so-called ‘brushing scam’. A brushing scam occurs when people are sent items unsolicited by online sellers to generate a transaction and thus support fake reviews to boost their business or product.

Why did I get random seeds in the mail?

Americans are receiving packets of “mystery seeds” shipped from China. This is likely an example of scammers using manipulation online, in this case falsifying “verified reviews.” So far, the USDA says the seeds are for innocuous flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

What does it mean when a flower self seeds?

When a plant is self-seeding, it means that it produces seeds which can be collected or allowed to fall to the ground and replant themselves in that location. Gardens with self-seeding plants tend to bloom again at the start of each spring growing season without the assistance of a gardener.

Are the seeds from China dangerous?

The USDA is collecting seed packages and will test them to determine if they contain anything harmful to agriculture or the environment. Police in Whitehouse, Ohio, said the seeds are not “directly dangerous,” but appear to be connected to an online scam.

What do I do if I receive seeds from China?

What should I do if I get a seed package?

1. Place all contents in a zip-top bag, then place the bag in an envelope or small box and mail it to:
2. If you are unable to mail the items, do not dispose of them.
3. Anyone who has already planted seeds should not dispose of the plants or soil.
4. Never plant seeds of unknown origin.

How can I identify a seed?

Seed Identification: Using Seed Drawings, Photographs, and Descriptors. Many people use seed drawings, called “plates”, to come to the identity of a seed they are looking at. Photographs of seeds may also be used for this. Good visualization skills are needed for this comparison type of seed identification.

How do you identify an unknown seed?

Unknown seeds can be identified by “keying” them out using scientific identification keys, (a laborious process). The seed herbarium comes into play as a visual comparison in this identification process. It may also be the primary, visual method of seed identification.

What should I do if I receive seeds from China?

USDA program looks for conservation partners Robinson said that if individuals receive a packet of seeds in the mail from China, or any other country, they should send them to Nick Johnson, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service state plant health director in Indiana.

What do I do if I received seeds from China?

Why does Amazon keep sending me stuff I didn’t order?

If you receive a package that you did not order and is not a gift, please report it immediately. When a customer receives a package they didn’t order, it may be a result of a scam sometimes called “brushing.” “Brushing” scams occur when bad actors send packages to publically available names and addresses.