Australia Post has issued a notice for members of the public to be aware of fraudulent text messages advising customers of a parcel due to be delivered being held up “due to unverified shipping address”.
The text prompts the receiver to click on a link which is not related to Australia Post.
In a statement, Australia Post said the link would lead to a fake website, containing the Australia Post logo, aimed at stealing personal and financial information.
“Due to the way mobile phones combine conversations, these scams can appear in the same conversation view as legitimate Australia Post text messages,” it said.
“Australia Post will never email or text-message you asking you to click on a link to print out a receipt/label for parcel collection/tracking or to access your package,” the Post Office said.
“Nor will Australia Post ask you to send an email containing any personal or financial information.”
It said that if there was any doubt about the authenticity of an email, text message or phone call, recipients should delete it immediately or hang up.
It said Australia Post’s research showed the text messages had been sent to a large number of people.
“When scammers pretend to be legitimate or well-known brands to trick you into handing over your personal details, this is known as ‘phishing’,” it said.
“Stay Smart Online has advice on what phishing is and how to protect yourself from it.”
