Strange Seeds Arrive In GA Mailboxes: What To Do If You Get Them

GEORGIA — State officials are warning residents of an odd scheme involving strange seeds mailed to unsuspecting Georgia homes.

The scheme involves unordered and mislabeled seeds shipped from overseas.

In a warning this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture made clear: "Do not plant seeds from unknown origins."

While not believed to be harmful to humans, the seeds may contain plant diseases, weeds or invasive plants that could be detrimental to Georgia's agriculture industry and ecosystem.

In a news release Monday, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black said the types of seeds in the packages are unknown, and may be invasive plant species. The packages were sent by mail and may have Chinese writing on them.

"At this time, we are not sure what the seeds are and therefore are urging everyone to be exceedingly vigilant," Black said. "If you have received one of these packages in the mail, please use extreme caution by not touching the contents and securing the package in a plastic bag."

Invasive species wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects and severely damage crops, the Georgia Department of Agriculture said. Taking steps to prevent their introduction is the most effective method of reducing both the risk of invasive species infestations and the cost to control and mitigate those infestations.

The USDA is currently collecting seed packages from recipients and will test their contents and determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment, officials say. Agencies across the country are warning of the scheme, from states such as Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

The seeds, which are often labeled as jewelry, are likely a part of a scam known as "brushing." In the brushing scam, companies attempt to boost online sales by purchasing their own products through fake buyer accounts. The products are shipped to a real address, to someone who didn't order the item. The seller writes a positive review of their items from the fake buyer account.

Anyone who has received unsolicited seeds in the mail from China or any other country is encouraged to contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture Seed Lab at 229-386-3145 or email SeedLab@agr.georgia.gov.