So far, mystery seed packets from China believed to be part of a “brushing scam”

People in the US, Canada, Australia and the EU have received unsolicited packets of seeds from China.

Osama El-Lissy is with the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Plant Protection program. He outlines what you should do if you receive one of the seed packets.

El-Lissy says as of Wednesday evening, there was no evidence of the seed packets being anything but a so-called “brushing” scam.

El-Lissy says the unsolicited seed packets have contained several plant species.

Anyone in South Dakota who receives one of the seed packets is asked to contact the state Department of Agriculture.

Anyone receiving unsolicited seeds in the mail should:

• Not plant the seeds
• Save the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label
• Contact the SDDA at 605.773.5425 or email agmail@state.sd.us with the following information:

1. Name
2. Phone number
3. Date received
4. Number of packages