Mysterious seeds are being sent to Washington from China. Here’s what to do with them

If you’re sent mysterious seeds from China, here’s what to do with them.

People across the U.S. in at least 27 states have received unsolicited seeds from China, McClatchy News reported. U.S. officials think the seeds are a “brushing scam” used to boost sales and leave fake customer reviews, the Washington State Department of Agriculture said in a Wednesday news release.

“Today we received reports of people receiving seeds in the mail from China that they did not order,” the Washington State Department of Agriculture said Friday. “The seeds are sent in packages usually stating that the contents are jewelry. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock.”

The seeds often come in sealed packages, and people should not open the packages, officials said. They should be reported to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for agricultural smuggling.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture wants anyone who finds packets of seeds in their mailbox to turn them in, according to the news release.

“USDA is asking residents to place these seeds and their packaging in a plastic bag,” WSDA said. “Place the bag in a mailing envelope and send it to USDA for further investigation. Washington residents can submit seeds they suspect have entered the country illegally to USDA at the (Seattle Plant Inspection Station).”

The Seattle Plant Inspection Station at 835 South 192nd Street, Bldg D, Ste 1600 in Seatac will take any seeds sent to Washington residents, officials said.

This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 5:13 PM with the headline "Mysterious seeds are being sent to Washington from China. Here’s what to do with them."