Texan’s address fraudulently used to send mystery seed packages

Update (February 14, 2025): Commissioner Miller says a Frisco, Texas resident's address was fraudulently used as the return address on a package of unidentified seed packages.

"The sender reportedly used Stamps.com to disguise the packages’ source, resulting in recipients sending the unwanted packages back to the return address and the Frisco resident being inundated with returned boxes they did not pack or ship," a spokesperson for Miller's office explained.

Miller says that the resident receives five to ten seed packages daily.

"The actual sender of these boxes is currently unknown. Still, with several other packages recently being delivered across the country from China, Texans are urged to remain vigilant and continue to report any unsolicited seed packages they receive from any source."

Update (February 12, 2025): Commissioner Miller provided an update today, saying that Texas residents have received 17 unsolicited seed packets from China so far. Miller says the packages are now being reported in Washington state and Florida as well.

Miller's office says the packages are being destroyed with steam sterilization for no cost to the recipients

“We’re still seeing more mystery seeds from China showing up in Texas,” Commissioner Miller stated. “We are working closely with our partners at USDA, APHIS, the White House, and the Department of Homeland Security to protect our state’s biosecurity. Thanks to Texans reporting these packages, we can monitor the situation closely and take swift action to protect our agriculture and natural resources. If you receive seeds, you didn’t order, don’t open them—report them immediately.”

Update (February 7, 2025): Commissioner Miller now says that his department is getting new reports of more unsolicited seed packages.

"One Texan reported ordering a dog toy from the Chinese vendor TEMU, only to receive a package of seeds instead," a spokesperson said today. "With the total number of reported packages now at five statewide, Texans are urged to exercise caution when opening any unexpected packages from China."

The Texas Department of Agriculture is working to collect all of these packages and send them to the USDA.

Also, Miller's team says that the seeds sent to Clute, Texas have been identified as Sacred Lotus, also known as Nelumbo nucifera seeds, which is an invasive aquatic plant that is only prohibited in one U.S. state, Wisconsin. The unlabeled liquid was identified as an accompanying nutrient solution.

“These packages should never have gotten through customs,” Commissioner Miller explained. “Without the proper documentation and consent, the shipment did not meet the entry conditions for the United States. We need to close this loophole in our biosecurity protections. It’s a vulnerability to national security."

(February 6, 2025) AUSTIN, Texas (KVIA) -- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is advising residents to "exercise extreme caution" if they get unsolicited packages of unknown seeds or liquids from China.

The department recently received reports of a package delivered to Clute, Texas.

“Receiving any unsolicited liquid or chemical at your doorstep poses a significant risk to the health of you and your family," Miller stated. "We also cannot allow unidentified seeds to enter Texas. If planted, invasive plant species will substantially harm the Texas agriculture industry. The TDA will work diligently to identify these unknown seeds and liquids to protect Texas residents.”

The department sent the package and everything inside to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service division for testing, an official explained today.

"As heightened tariffs on China have taken effect, the United States Postal Service (USPS) temporarily halted the acceptance of inbound packages from China and Hong Kong on Tuesday, but it has resumed this service," a department spokesperson explained. "For now, customers should stay alert for any incoming unsolicited packages."

Miller advises that if you get a foreign package containing seeds, keep it sealed and call (800) TELL-TDA.