Unsolicited Tech by Post: What to Do

Never accept unsolicited tech sent by post: it is almost always a scam, a mistake, or a way to get your personal data. If a package with a gadget, router, or smart device you did not order arrives, do not plug it in, do not call the number on the label, and do not pay any invoice that comes with it. The safe move is to contact the carrier or retailer directly through official channels, and if the item is clearly from a known company, report it to them.

Formula

The calculator above estimates the cost of a phone call to a premium-rate number often used in unsolicited tech scams. The formula is:

Cost = Time (minutes) × Rate per minute (USD)

Where Time is the duration of the call in minutes, and Rate is the per-minute charge in US dollars. The default rate is $0.05 per minute, which is a typical value for a toll or premium line, but actual rates vary by provider and country. The output is the total cost in dollars, rounded to two decimal places.

Worked Example

Using the default values: you spend 10 minutes on a call to a number printed on an unsolicited package label.

1. Time = 10 minutes
2. Rate = $0.05 per minute
3. Cost = 10 × 0.05 = $0.50

The calculator returns $0.50. This example shows that even a short call can generate revenue for the scammer, which is why they send unsolicited items in the first place.

What Is Unsolicited Tech by Post?

Unsolicited tech is any electronic device, accessory, or component that arrives at your address without you having ordered it. Common examples include:

• Bluetooth speakers or earbuds
• USB drives or memory cards
• Wi-Fi routers or range extenders
• Smart plugs, cameras, or doorbells
• Cables, chargers, or adapters

These items may come in plain packaging or with a return address that looks official. Sometimes they are addressed to you by name, other times to “resident” or a previous occupant. The key point is that you never initiated the order.

Why Do Scammers Send Unsolicited Tech?

There are several reasons, and none of them are benign:

• Brushing scams: A seller sends a cheap item to a real address, then posts a fake verified review under your name. This boosts their product’s ratings on marketplaces.
• Premium-rate phone traps: The package includes a “customer service” number that charges high per-minute rates. Calling it lines the scammer’s pockets.
• Malware delivery: A USB drive or router may be pre-loaded with malware. Plugging it in can compromise your computer or home network.
• Invoice pressure: A follow-up invoice arrives demanding payment for the “unpaid” item. If you pay, you lose money and may be signed up for a subscription.
• Data harvesting: The device may be designed to collect personal information, such as Wi-Fi passwords or keystrokes, once connected.

In all cases, the goal is financial gain at your expense, either directly or through data theft.

What to Do When an Unsolicited Package Arrives

Follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Do not open it if you can avoid it. If the package is sealed and clearly unsolicited, leave it sealed.
2. Do not plug it in or connect it. Even if the device looks new and harmless, it could be compromised.
3. Check your order history. Log into your accounts on Amazon, eBay, or other retailers and confirm you did not order it.
4. Contact the carrier. If the shipping label shows a carrier like UPS, FedEx, or USPS, call their official customer service and ask about the package. They may have a return process.
5. Report to the retailer. If the package is from a known brand, contact that brand’s official support and report the unsolicited shipment.
6. Do not pay any invoice. Under many consumer protection laws, you are not required to pay for items you did not order. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission states that unsolicited merchandise can be treated as a gift.
7. Dispose of it safely. If you cannot return it, destroy it—especially if it contains a battery or storage media. Do not donate it, as it could be used for fraud.

Common Misconceptions

“It’s a gift, so I can keep it.” In many jurisdictions, that is true for unsolicited physical goods. However, if the item is part of a brushing scam, keeping it does not make you liable, but it does not stop the scammer from using your name for fake reviews.

“If I send it back, I’ll be safe.” Returning the item may be fine, but you should not pay return shipping unless the carrier or retailer provides a prepaid label. Do not use the return address on the package—that could be a fake address.

“The invoice is legally binding.” In most countries, an invoice for unsolicited goods is not enforceable. You are not obligated to pay for something you never ordered.

“It’s just a free sample.” Legitimate free samples are sent only after you sign up or request them. If you did not request it, it is not a sample.

How to Prevent Future Unsolicited Shipments

• Keep your online accounts secure and avoid sharing your address unnecessarily.
• Check your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges.
• If you receive repeated unsolicited packages, report them to your local consumer protection agency.
• Consider using a paper shredder for any documents that contain your address.
• Do not respond to any communication that asks you to “confirm” your address or personal details.

Prevention is not always possible—scammers buy mailing lists—but staying alert reduces the risk.

What the Law Says

Laws vary by country, but many have specific provisions for unsolicited goods:

• United States: The FTC’s rule on unordered merchandise states that you can treat it as a gift and are not required to pay for it, even if you use it.
• United Kingdom: The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations prohibit demanding payment for unsolicited goods. You have the right to keep them, but you must not dispose of them if the sender asks for them back within a reasonable time.
• European Union: The Consumer Rights Directive states that if you receive unsolicited goods, you are not required to pay for or return them, and you are not liable for loss or damage.

Always check your local consumer protection authority for the exact rules in your jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I received a router I didn’t order. Can I just use it?
A: No. It may be pre-configured to send your data to a third party, or it may be a counterfeit that fails to meet safety standards. Dispose of it or return it to the carrier.

Q: The package has my name and address, but I never ordered it. Is it a crime?
A: It is not a crime for you to receive it, but the sender may be committing fraud. You should report it to your local consumer protection agency or the postal inspector.

Q: Do I have to pay return shipping?
A: No. You are not obligated to pay any shipping costs for unsolicited items. If the carrier insists, decline and contact the retailer directly.

Q: What if the unsolicited item is a USB drive with my name on it?
A: Do not plug it in. It could contain malware. Contact the manufacturer or your IT department if you have one, and then safely destroy the drive.

Q: Can I sell the unsolicited item?
A: Legally, in many places, once you treat it as a gift, you can do what you want with it. However, selling it may encourage the scammer to send more, and it could be illegal if the item is stolen or counterfeit. Best practice is to dispose of it.

Q: How do I report an unsolicited tech package?
A: In the US, you can report to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. In the UK, report to Citizens Advice or Action Fraud. In the EU, contact your national consumer protection agency. Always keep the package and any labels as evidence.

Related

• Self-Hosted Hobbies: Do They Only Work Self-Hosted?
• How Often Should You Upgrade Your PSU?
• Visual Novel Features in Games

in t | Time spent on call | min | 10 | 0 | 120
out cost | Cost of the call | USD | t * 0.05 | 2