CA Warns Residents Of Unsolicited Seed Shipments From China

CALIFORNIA — California households are receiving mysterious, unsolicited packages containing plant seeds, prompting state authorities this week to advise residents not to open them.

The packages, which appear to have been sent from China, are often labeled as jewelry or toys, and have appeared in mailboxes across California and in several other states, according to news reports.

There's no reason to believe the packages contain anything dangerous, but since they could contain invasive species or pests, the California Department of Food and Agriculture asked residents not to open, ship or dispose of the packets.

The CDFA said Tuesday that it has been in touch with the federal government to "determine necessary actions" for the shipments.

Instead, residents should hold onto any packets they receive, and contact their local agricultural commissioner's office.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture believes the packages are part of a "brushing scam," where a seller sends unsolicited items and then posts fake positive reviews online on behalf of the recipient, in order to boost sales.

By Wednesday, at least 28 states had issued warnings about the seed packages, many of which have Chinese lettering and the words "China Post" written in English.

Maggie Fusek contributed reporting.

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