Unsolicited Packages Arriving From China With Unknown Seeds

WASHINGTON, DC – Unsuspecting and unsolicited packages have been arriving nationwide from China, in many cases, claiming to contain jewelry. What the package contains however are unknown seeds.

Individuals from at least twenty states have received the suspicious packages and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, and State departments of agriculture to investigate the situation.

In a press release, USDA says they have no evidence indicating this is anything other than a “brushing scam” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales. Even so, authorities are collecting seed packages and will test their contents and determine if there is any concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment.

What should you do if you receive seeds in the mail? USDA says you should immediately contact your State department of agriculture or APHIS, and under no condition, open the package with the seeds or attempt to plant them.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)