Unsolicited China Seed Package- What should I do with a suspicious Seed Packet from China I got in the Mail?
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is continuing to warn Floridians about unsolicited packages of seeds received through the mail. The seed packets, which may arrive unexpectedly in packages bearing Chinese characters, may bear the name China Post, and may be labeled as jewelry, have been reported in multiple states.
At this time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) believes the seeds to be part of a “brushing” scam, where unsolicited items are sent in order to post false customer reviews and boost online sales. Upon receiving seed packages from recipients, the USDA will test the contents to determine if a risk is posed to agriculture or the environment.
The UF/IFAS Extension office (located at: 14700 Immokalee Rd., Naples) will be prepared to receive drop offs (seeds and plant material ONLY) as long as they meet the criteria outlined:
• Extension offices are to accept ONLY opened packages.
• Public should only bring seed/plant material packets and their original packaging materials to the Extension office, which should then be placed in a plastic zip bag.
Unopened packages and packages containing other non-agricultural items should be maintained by the homeowner and they should contact: USDA APHIS Anti-Smuggling hotline at: 1-800-877-3835 or SITC.mail@aphis.usda.gov