Receiving an unsolicited package in the mail can seem exciting at first – who doesn’t love getting free gifts? However, these “free” packages often come with hidden costs, as is the case with the GRA moissanite ring scam that has been circulating recently. This intricate scam utilizes fake reviews, stolen personal information, and cheap rings to generate profits for scammers. Read on to learn all about how this scam works and what you can do if you have fallen victim to it.
Scam Overview
The GRA moissanite ring scam involves consumers receiving rings in the mail from the company GRA Moissanite (or a similar name), even though they never actually placed an order. These rings arrive in packages claiming to be from the Global Gemological Research Academy or a similar entity, often with letters prompting the recipient to register their purchase.
Despite never ordering the ring, the consumer’s name and address are correct on the package. This allows the scammers behind this operation to post fake online reviews as if they came from a “verified buyer.” The goal is to make it appear that the ring is so amazing, it has outstanding reviews from verified purchasers. This boosts sales and search rankings for the product.
In reality, GRA moissanite does not exist as a legitimate company. The rings themselves are cheap knockoffs, likely made in China. They contain low-grade moissanite stones, not real diamonds. The company name, website, and materials are all designed to look official so that unsuspecting consumers place orders.
This scam has been circulating for at least two years now, with Reddit posts describing it dating back to 2020. The website, packaging, and materials associated with it are riddled with typos and other red flags. However, the scam persists because it is a profitable model for scammers, allowing them to boost product ratings while sacrificing little on overhead costs.
The GRA moissanite ring scam ultimately profits by inflating product ratings and sales numbers. Although recipients get to keep the cheap rings, they also risk having their personal information compromised or stolen. Their identity may even be used to post fake reviews online. While seeming harmless at first, being an unwitting participant in this brushing scam opens the door to future frauds.
This scam has been also investigated by Jordan Liles on his YouTube channel, where he offers a detailed video on the subject. We recommend watching his content for a comprehensive understanding of the scam.
Next, let’s break down exactly how scammers carry out this scam from start to finish.
How The Scam Works
The GRA moissanite ring scam is intricately designed to boost product ratings and sales numbers through deceptive means. It primarily works in three key stages:
1. Obtaining Personal Information
The scammers behind this operation first obtain names, addresses, and sometimes even payment information belonging to potential victims. Personal information is often stolen through data breaches, malware campaigns, social engineering, and other illicit methods. It may also be purchased on the black market from previous breaches.
Often, the targets seem random – just a massive list of names and addresses. However, in some cases, the scammers may target specific groups they perceive as more likely to post online reviews. These could include active social media users, prolific Amazon reviewers, newlyweds registering for wedding gifts, and similar demographics.
2. Sending Unsolicited Rings
Once the scammers have a victim’s name and address, they mail an unsolicited moissanite ring to them. The package claims to be from GRA Moissanite, the Global Gemological Research Academy, or a similar fictional entity. It includes paperwork prompting the recipient to register their “purchase” and provide a product review.
The rings themselves are incredibly cheap to produce and ship. They contain low-grade moissanite stones, not real diamonds. These rings likely originate from China and cost just a few dollars to manufacture and mail internationally.
From a production standpoint, it costs the scammers almost nothing to send thousands of these packages worldwide. The negligible overhead makes the scam highly profitable if even a small percentage of recipients post reviews.
3. Posting Fake Reviews
Upon receiving the unsolicited ring, the victim’s information is used to post fake online reviews on the company website, Amazon, or elsewhere. These reviews make it appear as if the ring is so impressive, it has many satisfied, verified purchasers.
The scammers may also have bots or click farms that upvote and spread these fake reviews. This further boosts the product’s visibility and legitimacy in search engine results.
The ultimate payoff is that the fake reviews lend credibility to otherwise unknown brands and products. Actual sales numbers and revenues increase based on the perceived quality and satisfaction other buyers had. It becomes a self-fulfilling cycle, with fake reviews leading to real sales down the line.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you receive an unsolicited moissanite ring in the mail, use caution. You may have become an unwitting participant in this scam. Here are some tips on what to do next:
- Do Not Pay or Provide Personal Information: The package may come with requests to pay for shipping or provide your credit card number. Never comply with these. Likewise, do not go to any website or URL provided to register your “purchase.” These are all attempts to gather your personal and payment data.
- Return the Item to Sender: Do not throw the ring away if you can avoid it. Instead, write “Return to Sender” on the package and drop it back in the mail. This helps disrupt the scam from succeeding. The USPS will return the package at no cost to you.
- Monitor Your Accounts Closely: Check your credit card statements and credit reports regularly for any unusual activity. Scammers may have obtained account numbers or other personal information to commit identity fraud. Enable text or email alerts on accounts when possible.
- Consider a Credit Freeze: Placing a credit freeze restricts access to your credit reports. This makes it harder for scammers to open unauthorized accounts in your name. Freezing credit is free and can be done through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Search Your Name Online: Check if any fake reviews have been posted on retail sites like Amazon using your name. Report these as fraud to get them removed. Doing so protects other consumers from being deceived.
- Change Account Passwords: Reset the passwords on your email, Amazon, and any other accounts that scammers may have breached. Use strong, unique passwords for each account to limit damages from any future data leaks.
- Contact Authorities If Needed: If the ring contains suspicious substances or you feel physically threatened, contact postal inspectors or local law enforcement. Mail containing hazardous materials or threats may require investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the GRA Moissanite Ring Scam
1. What is the GRA moissanite ring scam?
The GRA moissanite ring scam involves people receiving unsolicited, low-quality moissanite rings in the mail from a company called “GRA Moissanite.” These rings are cheaply made in China and sent out to random addresses obtained through data breaches. The scammers then post fake 5-star reviews online using the recipient’s name to boost sales.
2. Who is behind the GRA moissanite ring scam?
The people behind this scam appear to be a ring of scammers operating out of China. They use the fake company name “GRA Moissanite” or “Global Gemological Research Academy” to sound official. However, the website, packaging, and materials are riddled with typos and other red flags.
3. How do they get your address and name?
The scammers buy personal information like names, addresses, and sometimes even payment details that were stolen in data breaches. They may also use malware or social engineering tactics to gather new data. The information is then used to ship rings to unknowing recipients.
4. What’s the purpose behind sending the rings?
The rings are essentially just a prop used to post fake “verified buyer” reviews online. By mailing cheap rings first, the scammers can boost product ratings, sales, and search visibility for their otherwise unknown brands. The financial overhead is very low compared to the higher sales driven by fake reviews.
5. What kind of ring do they send?
The rings contain low-quality moissanite gemstones rather than real diamonds. Moissanite has more fire and brilliance than cubic zirconia but costs much less than real diamonds. The rings themselves are cheap knockoffs made in China that only cost a couple dollars to manufacture and ship.
6. How can you tell if a review is fake?
Warning signs of fake reviews include over-the-top praise, very short reviews with few details, multiple reviews posted on the same day, and reviewers with no history or connection to the product. Fake reviews will also often focus on the appearance and perceived value rather than how the ring actually looks or wears.
7. Can they use your information to commit identity fraud?
Possibly. Scammers frequently sell or trade the personal data they collect through these brushing scams. Even if your name was randomly selected this time, your information is now in the hands of scammers who may commit future identity fraud.
8. What should you do if you receive an unsolicited ring?
Don’t pay or give any personal information. Return to sender or discard the ring. Monitor your credit and accounts closely for any suspicious activity. Change passwords and consider a credit freeze to protect yourself from future misuse of your data.
9. Can you keep the ring if you want to?
Legally, you can keep the ring since you were sent it without requesting it. However, we recommend returning it to the sender as that helps disrupt the scam. Keeping it also means your data is still out there, which puts you at higher risk of fraud.
10. How can I spot other brushing scams?
Be wary of any unsolicited packages from unknown senders. Look for typos, unusual return addresses, or requests to register your purchase. Be extra cautious of packages originating from China. Do not interact with any included links or provide your personal information.
The Bottom Line
The GRA moissanite ring scam relies on sending cheap jewelry to unsuspecting targets. Recipients’ personal information is then used to boost product ratings through fake reviews. This increases sales for the scammers while putting victims at risk of identity theft.
If you receive one of these unsolicited rings, take steps to protect yourself. Avoid providing any personal or payment details. Monitor accounts closely for fraud and consider a credit freeze. Together, we can help shut down brushing scams by being informed consumers and disrupting their profit model.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional, financial or legal advice. The content is intended for general information and should not be construed as definitive guidance. Information contained herein is subject to change without notice. For concerns, please contact us via the provided form. If you are the owner of the website or product in question and wish to offer clarifications regarding your business or website, please reach out to us through the provided Contact Form.
