Free Republic

It was just about week ago that we highlighted a mysterious trend that was sweeping the U.S.: citizens were receiving unsolicited packages of seeds, with return addresses from China, for apparently no reason at all. Now, the U.S. has started to identify "14 types of plants" that the seeds belonged to, revealing a “mix of ornamental, fruit and vegetable, herb and weed species,” according to the NY Times. Cabbage, hibiscus, lavender, mint, morning glory, mustard, rose, rosemary and sage have all been identified. Osama El-Lissy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said: “This...

NOT JEWELRY: USDA says the unsolicited packages of seeds many Americans received were part of a “brushing” scam. The USDA says mystery seeds received by Americans recently were likely sent in a large-scale “brushing scam,” designed to boost a seller’s ratings. Seed testing results have revealed most to be vegetable, flower, herb and ornamental seeds. What’s a brushing scam? It happens when a seller fulfills fake orders, which show up on your doorstep in mislabeled packages — like those received by an estimated 1,000 Illinois residents in July and early August. Indiana residents received at least 350 by Aug. 7...