Christmas is fast approaching, and while we’re all excitedly awaiting our online shopping deliveries, scammers are out in full force! Australia Post has issued a serious warning, urging everyone to be extra vigilant as fake delivery messages and emails skyrocket during the festive rush.
Here’s What You Need to Know
Scammers are incredibly savvy, exploiting the pre-Christmas chaos and our eagerness for parcels. They’re targeting people on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, posing as buyers and sending malicious links or QR codes via Messenger. These links lead to fake ‘Australia Post courier service’ websites that look legitimate but are designed to steal your personal and financial details. They’ll claim to process payment online and arrange a courier, but it’s all a trap!
This isn’t just a small issue; it’s a national problem. Research from Australia Post reveals that over 90% of Australians have received a scam text or call, with nearly three-quarters saying these scams most often impersonate shipping and parcel delivery services.
Australia Post’s Chief Information Security Officer, Adam Cartwright, has a clear message:
“As the pre-Christmas sales ramp up and more Aussies are expecting deliveries, scammers are exploiting that anticipation and urgency to trick people into clicking fake links or handing over personal information. If you receive a message asking for personal or payment details, you can be confident it’s not from us. In fact, the safest way to track your item is through the official AusPost app.”
How to Protect Yourself: Essential Tips
Don’t let scammers ruin your holiday cheer! Follow these crucial pieces of advice:
- Download the Official AusPost App: This is your best friend for safe parcel tracking. Enable push notifications for real-time, genuine updates.
- AusPost Will NEVER Ask for Details: Remember, Australia Post will never request personal or financial information (like passwords, credit card, or bank details) via phone, text, or email. If they ask, it’s a scam!
- DO NOT Click Suspicious Links: Whether it’s a text message or an email, if something looks off, do not click the link.
- Be Aware of Sophisticated Phishing: Scammers are using advanced tactics, including something called ‘Darcula’ operations. These sophisticated toolkits bypass traditional filters by sending messages via encrypted channels like iMessage and Rich Communication Services (RCS), making them harder to detect. Stay alert!
Sign Up for MyPost for Extra Security
Want another layer of protection? Sign up for a free MyPost account. You can do this by visiting auspost.com.au/receiving/mypost or downloading the AusPost app from your app store.
For more detailed tips on how to identify and avoid parcel and delivery scams you can visit the Australia Post website at auspost.com.au/ScamAlerts.
Stay safe and smart this holiday season – happy shopping and secure receiving!
