A warning from Stay Smart Online regarding parcel delivery scams.
13 December 2019
What’s happened?
With millions of parcel deliveries expected around the country, Australia Post is seeing widespread scam text (SMS) messages being sent to people, using their brand.
These fake SMS messages may tell you that your parcel is ‘detained’, ‘you’ve missed a delivery’ or there’s an ‘important update’ to your delivery – and include a link to click on for more details. As scammers use technology that imitates a caller ID, these scam texts can even appear in the same conversation thread as a legitimate Australia Post conversation.
By clicking on the links in a scam message, you are usually taken to a fake Australia Post website to enter your personal or financial details. Clicking on these links can also infect your device with malicious software (malware).
Does it affect me?
Anyone can be a target, whether you are waiting for an Australia Post delivery or not. Scammers cast their net wide, hoping to catch someone out who might be waiting for a parcel delivery this holiday season.
How do I stay safe?
To protect yourself from scam text messages or other fake messages that use Australia Post branding:
- Check if the message is legitimate by contacting the organisation it claims to be from. Use contact details that you find separately to those provided in the message (for example, manually type the official website into your browser to find the business’ contact details).
- Look at the web link without clicking on it, to see if it is an Australia Post web address or not.
- Look out for an unusual sense of urgency including demands for payment.
- Think before you click and never provide your personal or financial details by reply SMS or email.
Australia Post will never SMS customers asking for personal or financial information, or a payment.
If you think you’ve received a scam SMS (or email) claiming to be from Australia Post, report it to scams@auspost.com.au or www.scamwatch.gov.au.
If you’ve sent money or personal banking details to a scammer, contact your bank immediately for assistance. See our Get help page for more advice and support.
More information
To stay up to date on the latest online threats and how to respond, sign up to the Stay Smart Online Alert Service, www.staysmartonline.gov.au/alert-service.
To find out about the latest Australia Post themed scams, visit their website at https://auspost.com.au/about-us/about-our-site/online-security-scams-fraud/scam-alerts.
For more info on shopping safely online this holiday season, head to www.staysmartonline.gov.au/onlineshopping.
If you’ve been the victim of a cybercrime including financial loss, report it to ReportCyber at www.cyber.gov.au/report.
The information provided here is of a general nature. Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you require specific advice you should contact your local technical support provider.
Feedback
Thank you to those subscribers who have provided feedback to our Alerts and Newsletters. We are very interested in your feedback and where possible take on board your suggestions or requests.
Disclaimer
This information has been prepared by the ACSC. It was accurate and up to date at the time of publishing.
This information is general information only and is intended for use by private individuals and small to medium sized businesses. If you are concerned about a specific cyber security issue you should seek professional advice.
The Commonwealth and all other persons associated with this advisory accept no liability for any damage, loss or expense incurred as a result of the provision of this information, whether by way of negligence or otherwise.
Nothing in this information (including the listing of a person or organisation or links to other web sites) should be taken as an endorsement of a particular product or service.
Please note that third party views or recommendations included in this information do not reflect the views of the Commonwealth, or indicate its commitment to a particular course of action. The Commonwealth also cannot verify the accuracy of any third party material included in this information.
CONTACT US
Facebook: www.facebook.com/staysmartonline
Email: StaySmartOnline@cyber.gov.au
Web: www.staysmartonline.gov.au
