Northern California Agriculture Experts Warn About Strange Seeds Received In Mail
EL DORADO COUNTY (CBS13) – The weird seed phenomenon happening across the country is growing in Northern California, with regional agricultural leaders sounding the alarm about strange seeds being sent to people's homes, according to a report by CBS Sacramento.
Gina Bruehl is proud of the plants on her back porch, and as an avid gardener, she knows a thing or two about seeds. But this week, she had seeds sent to her home she said she didn't order.
"They looked like pepper seeds," Bruehl said.
She's one of many people in the region who received these mystery seeds in her mailbox.
"There was this package from China," Bruehl said. "I was like 'What?' It was crazy."
The seeds are of a diverse collection and popped up in counties across the region. The same message from agriculture officials — don't open or plant them. Call your county Department of Agriculture instead.
"We will come out and take a look and collect it if we suspect it contains seed," said Chrisandra Flores, the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner.
READ: Mysterious Chinese Seeds Showing Up In Colusa County
On a state level, the seeds are being tested to see if they could be harmful to our crops or environment.
"Our number one priority is making sure our ag and food quality stays viable," Flores said.
But why are people receiving these strange seeds? The USDA is leading the investigation and CBP said it's likely part of something called a brushing scam.
UC Davis cybersecurity expert Matt Bishop said scammers use a person's online footprint to create a fake persona and write reviews about the product.
"Sending the product and writing a fake review has happened, but I haven't seen it on this wide of a scale," Bishop said.
As for worry about personal identification information being stolen, Bishop said there shouldn't be anything to worry about — but keep an eye on it just in case.
Bruehl said she hasn't noticed anything alarming on her accounts and hopes it stays that way.
"I'm a little concerned about that," Bruehl said. our address – and our personal information."
Anyone who receives the seeds is asked to call their county's agriculture commission, who will likely collect the seeds or direct them to a safe drop-off site.