Multiple state governments released a warning not to plant any unsolicited seeds after residents reportedly received unexpected mailings from China.

In a report by Fox News, officials from Virginia's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released an advisory against planting seeds the state's residents received in unsolicited mailings. According to accounts, the packages had a return address that indicated they were sent from China.

Officials have yet to determine the precise motives behind the mailings. Officials speculate the seeds may be from an invasive plant species that could introduce diseases to other plants or harm animals. It could also displace or kill native plants and insects or cause severe damage to crops.

Mysterious Packages From China

Virginia is not the only state to receive unsolicited packages. In Kansas, dozens of residents have also reported receiving unwanted deliveries.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture said several of the state's residents received seed packets in the mail. Others received packages that had labels claiming it contained jewelry and other attractive content, as reported by KCTV 5 News.

People living in the state of Utah also received mysterious packages from China over the past few weeks. Lori Culley, a resident in Tooele, said she received two packages with Chinese writing on them. Upon opening, she found seeds instead of earrings as the label indicated.

Culley posted the incident on Facebook, which led her to discover that she was one of at least 40 other Tooele residents who received the mysterious package.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is expected to collaborate with Customs and Border Protection to investigate the incident.

Possible E-Commerce Scam

Jane Rupp, the president of the Better Business Bureau's Utah Chapter, said the incident is likely part of a scam known as "brushing." The scheme involves companies who will send random residents a product so they can post a fake review under the receiver's name, Fox 13 reports.

The "Fake Listing Scam" is employed by disreputable sellers on e-commerce sites such as Amazon.com. The system involves criminals buying their own products and shipping it to a real address so they can make a "verified" review.

Most products from these con artists build up legitimate sales. People who buy from fake listings would never receive their products.

People who receive mysterious seeds are advised not to plant them. Residents who live in Kansas are encouraged to phone the state's Department of Agriculture at 785-564-6698. Residents can also send an email to KDA.PPWC@ks.gov or file a report on their website by clicking here.

Utah residents can reach their state's Department of Agriculture and Food by calling 801-982-2200 or emailing agriculture@utah.gov. The office is open to walk-ins from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

People living in Virginia state may contact the Office of Plant Industry Services (OPIS) ar 804-786-3513. They may also send an email to ReportAPest@vdacs.virginia.gov.

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