Feds advise against planting ‘unsolicited seeds’ that come in the mail

Can contain invasive species and can be harmful to agricultural and natural areas

Don’t sow these seeds.

Packages of unsolicited seeds have been arriving in North American mailboxes.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says don’t plant them. It says they’re often the seeds of invasive plants and can carry plant pests.

If you receive a seed package that you did not order, please contact your regional CFIA office immediately. Keep the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label until a CFIA inspector contacts you with further instructions.

The United States Department of Agriculture has issued a similar warning. It believes the seeds are part of a “brushing scam,” in which a seller sends someone a cheap product or empty box, then uses the shipment information to create a fake review for the company, which can boost its rating on e-commerce sites.

Such products often come from China or Taiwan.

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