Australia Post has warned shoppers to be on high alert for scammers who are likely to take advantage of the busy Christmas shopping period.
“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,” Australia Post chief information security officer Adam Cartwright said.
The newest scams are targeting online marketplace users — including those on Facebook — with fraudsters posing as buyers sending links or QR codes via Messenger to fake Australia Post courier service websites.
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These fraudulent sites claim payment will be processed online and a courier will collect the item after payment.
In reality, they are designed to steal personal and financial information.
Australia Post urges vigilance as scammers target Australians during the festive season. Credit: Australia Post/Getty ImagesFake delivery messages and QR codes are being sent to Australians ahead of Christmas. Credit: Australia Post
Research from Australia Post showed more than 90 per cent of Australians have received a scam text or call.
Nearly three-quarters of these scams impersonate shipping and parcel delivery services.
“What’s concerned is the sophistication of the scammers, (they) are using trusted brands like Australia Post and getting very sophisticated in how they present that text or email message,” Australia Post CEO Paul Graham said.
The mail service advised customers to ignore any message requesting personal or payment information and to track parcels through the official Australia Post app
“That is a cyber safe way of receiving all your communications from Australia Post,” Graham added.
“Australia Post will never text, email or call you for personal details, ask you to pay us money or indeed ask for your bank account details.
“If those questions are being asked, it’s not Australia Post.
“I encourage everyone to be cautious. Because it’s a parcel delivery, they’re targeting that sense of urgency.
“Take a step back, look at the message, look at the email.
”Think about the questions you’re being asked. And if in any doubt whatsoever, hang up or do not click.”
Australia Post CEO Paul Graham urges customers to use the official AusPost app and ignore messages asking for personal or payment details. Credit: Australia Post
The mail service also highlighted a resurgence of sophisticated phishing operations, including the global Dracula-Scheme.
The operation rents scam toolkits to criminals mimicking trusted delivery brands and uses encrypted messaging channels, allowing it to bypass traditional filters and making these scams harder to detect and block.
The warning from Australia Post comes as consumers are urged to stay vigilant ahead of Black Friday, with Australians expected to spend $6.8 billion in online sales.
Seven’s Tech Editor Shaun White said criminals are using fake ads and scam websites to steal personal information, with artificial intelligence making them “more convincing than ever before”.
He advised shoppers to check website URLs carefully, pay only with credit cards or PayPal, and verify deals through official stores before buying.
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