Hillsborough County To Accept Suspicious Seed Packets

BRANDON, FL — Hillsborough County residents who received unsolicited packages of suspicious seeds in the mail may bring the packets to the Hillsborough County Extension Service starting on Wednesday.

State officials said the seeds were sent out as part of an apparent scam in which the mysterious seeds were mailed to random Florida homes.

The seed packets, which may arrive unexpectedly in packages containing Chinese characters, may include the name "China Post" and also could be labeled as jewelry, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture.

Officials believe the mailings were part of a so-called "brushing" scam in which companies attempt to boost online sales by purchasing their own products through fake buyer accounts. The products are shipped to random addresses and the seller writes a positive review of their items using a fake buyer's account.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture warned consumers who might have received the packages: "Do not plant seeds from unknown origins."

As of July 30, FDACS received at least 1,209 reports from Florida residents who received suspicious seed packages. The content of the seed packages remains unknown at this time until testing by the Department of Agriculture is completed.

Extension Service staff in Hillsborough County will accept the seeds on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..

Residents who are unable to drop off the seeds during these times can call (813) 744-5519 for additional instructions.

The Extension Service is located at 5339 County Road 579 in Seffner.

Floridians who receive unsolicited seeds are asked to retain the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label. If opened, double bag and seal the seeds. Do not plant them or discard any of the seeds.

People with unopened packages or packages containing other non-agricultural items can call the USDA APHIS Anti-Smuggling Hotline at (800) 877-3835 or send an email to SITC.mail@aphis.usda.gov.