After ordering a Halloween costume from SHEIN, a woman finds something unsettling inside the package

Photo by@sofiaalonss/TikTok Jonathan Weiss/ShutterStock

This SHEIN client received far more than she expected in her purchase. The manner in which she dealt with it is truly remarkable.

An unwanted bonus item

In her viral video, college student Sofia Alonso-Mossinger (@sofiaalonsscanceled) revealed her surprise when opening a SHEIN package containing boots for her Halloween costume. To her astonishment, she discovered an unexpected item peeking through the clear packaging—bright pink underwear. Her reaction, a mix of disbelief and amusement, resonated with viewers, leading to over 9.7 million views.

The incident not only sparked laughter but also prompted conversations about the quirks of online shopping, highlighting how sometimes retailers can send unexpected surprises. Many people shared their own experiences of bizarre or unexpected items arriving in their orders, making it a relatable moment for online shoppers everywhere.

“Halloween costume = canceled,” she wrote in the text overlay.

A whole scorpion was chilling atop her costume. At first, she thought it was a toy until she moved it, Alonso-Mossinger told BBC.

“I feel like I am all right with spiders and things but it was scary being in my room with a random scorpion,” she said.

Alonso-Mossinger screamed, prompting her roommates to rush cover. While Alonso-Mossinger’s first instinct was to kill the intruder, she said her roommate, one of which studies zoology, wanted to take a more humane approach.

They moved the scorpion to a plastic box using kitchen tongs and gave it water on a kitchen cloth, as mentioned in the article. Following this, they reached out to the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, who dispatched someone to help them shortly after.

A representative from the center expressed concern that this marks the second report they've received this month regarding a stowaway scorpion. Such incidents highlight the potential risks of wildlife inadvertently hitching rides in packages or shipments. The representative emphasized the importance of thorough inspections and awareness when receiving deliveries, especially from areas where exotic species are more common. This situation raises questions about safety and the ecological implications of non-native species appearing in new environments.

SHEIN said the following in a statement to the BBC:

“After receiving the feedback, we immediately conducted an internal investigation.

“Our teams on the ground have checked the shipment packing process and carried out an inspection of the goods in our warehouse and have confirmed that all standard operating processes have been adhered to.”

How common and dangerous are scorpion stings?

While some scorpion stings can be deadly, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll die from a scorpion sting (but it’ll probably still hurt), Cleveland Clinic reported.

To be precise, only a small fraction, less than 5%, of scorpion stings need to be seen by a doctor. However, there are roughly 1,500 different types of scorpions, yet only 30 possess venom potent enough to harm humans.

Furthermore, there has not been a single case of death caused by a scorpion in the United States for over half a century.

What happens if you get stung by a scorpion?

After being stung, your skin will show a minor increase in size and turn a bit red. You could experience a mild tingling or feeling in the region.

If this happens, you probably won't have to visit the hospital. Instead, it's advised to clean the affected area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and raise the area so it's at the same level as your heart.

Another option is to apply an antihistamine or corticosteroid to the affected area and use non-prescription pain relievers to lessen the discomfort. The symptoms usually disappear within a 24 to 48-hour period.

Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention are widespread numbness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, convulsions, muscle spasms, an abnormal heart rhythm, and pain in the stomach.

You could also experience an allergic reaction to a scorpion sting, leading to severe symptoms like extreme swelling, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. If this occurs, it’s important to use an EpiPen if available and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room. Prompt action is crucial in these situations to ensure safety and effective treatment.

Commenters react

“What promo code did u use for the free pet??” a person joked.

“Now having anxiety that I somehow missed the scorpion in my package and it’s in my room,” a commenter wrote.

“No because I have 2 packages due to be delivered this can’t be happening,” another added.