Remember the mystery seeds from China? Here’s what happened when one man planted them.

In the summer of 2020, a peculiar event unfolded across the United States. Thousands of Americans found themselves in possession of what some referred to as ‘mystery seeds from China.’¹ While the mystery initially sparked conspiracy theories, it was eventually revealed to be part of a ‘brushing’ campaign, leaving many baffled about its purpose.²

The Mysterious Seeds and Public Panic

Residents from all 50 states received these mystery seeds from China, leading to investigations by various agencies, including the USDA, FBI, and Customs and Border Protection. Some individuals unknowingly planted or consumed these seeds in their gardens, raising concerns about potential harm. However, detailed analysis later indicated that many of the seeds were not dangerous and included various known plants such as roses, amaranth, and mints. This revelation eased the fears of what some thought was more sinister.

Amidst the public panic, reports emerged of individuals who had unwittingly planted these seeds. One particular person who received the seeds was Doyle Krenshaw from Arkansas. While it was unknown at the time what exactly the plant was, it was most likely a squash.

Another person from Michigan confessed, “I planted them in my hydroponic system in my home, I thought they were the strawberry seeds I ordered from Amazon. They turned Black and green mold, so I threw them away.” Another woman from New Mexico lamented, “I’ve been battling this for a couple of weeks. Now, where I planted them, and I remember where I planted them, everything that’s in the garden where I planted them are having a hard time and are starting to die.” These accounts added to the overall sense of uncertainty.

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Mystery Seeds from China Unveiled

As authorities delved deeper into the mystery, they uncovered that this peculiar seed distribution was part of a ‘brushing’ scam. These packages were sent to people whose online accounts had been compromised or as a seemingly innocuous ‘gift.’ The intention behind this scam was to generate positive reviews from ‘verified buyers’ by having recipients who nominally bought or received the product, leave positive feedback.

The USDA clarified that this campaign wasn’t designed to cause harm in the traditional sense but rather to manipulate online retail platforms for favorable reviews. This revelation might have reduced the fear of a coordinated agricultural attack but raised concerns about cybersecurity and the exploitation of e-commerce systems.

The Global Impact of The Mystery Seeds from China

The mysterious seed packages were not limited to the United States; similar incidents occurred in the UK, preceding the US cases. On the morning of June 5, a woman named Sue Westerdale, who lives in a small town in northern England, posted in the Facebook group “Veg gardening UK” about something peculiar. She had received mystery seeds from China, described on the envelope as “ear studs,” and wondered whether this had happened to anyone else.

The use of social media, especially Facebook groups, played a crucial role in spreading awareness about these unsolicited seed deliveries. Groups such as the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Facebook page or the aforementioned “Veg gardening UK” were flooded with messages. Not to mention unclaimed packages overall.

Implications Amidst a Global Pandemic

The timing of this unusual event, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened concerns about targeted biological attacks. People were worried that there were targeted biological attacks on the world. Nobody can blame them, either. After thorough investigations, though, it seems as though the timing is more to do with the compromised Amazon accounts rather than a pointed attack. Authorities had to clarify that this was not an act of aggression or espionage but a peculiar scam exploiting the online retail ecosystem.

Nevertheless, vigilance and reporting remained crucial to prevent identity theft and other risks of receiving unordered packages. If you happen to receive something in the mail that you did not order, you should report it to the distributor. For seeds, contacting local law enforcement is a good step to take as well. Do not plant them. You should report it to the distributor and if it’s anything that looks suspicious, contact local law enforcement.

You don’t want your identity to be stolen, so you need to be vigilant when you receive something you haven’t ordered. Also, similar to a suspicious email you may get, don’t give away any of your contact information. This absolutely includes your social security number, phone number, credit card number, and more. Stay safe out there.

In conclusion, the saga of the Arkansas man and the mystery seeds from China highlighted the bizarre nature of modern scams and the importance of staying cautious, especially during uncertain times. While this unusual event may have concluded, it serves as a reminder to remain vigilant when receiving unexpected deliveries.

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