Australia Post email warning: 'Delete it immediately'

There’s a new Australia Post email scam doing the rounds. (Source: Getty/MailGuard)

If you’re waiting for a package to arrive in the mail, don’t be fooled by this sneaky new Australia Post scam.

Email security firm MailGuard said it had started seeing a new phishing email, purporting to be sent by Australia Post and claiming you had a package “on hold”.

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“Delivery scams are a favourite of cybercriminals, and the latest example, spoofing Australia Post, is no exception,” MailGuard said.

“Arriving in inboxes across the country, the subject line claims that your ‘Package AU289903100715 is on hold’.”

The message claims the customer needs to pay a $3 fee via a link in the email for their package to be delivered. If they click the link, they are taken to a fraudulent Australia Post site, designed to harvest their personal and financial details.

The scam email claims you have a package on hold and fee to pay a fee for delivery. (Source: MailGuard)

There are some red flags, though, with MailGuard noting the fee amount changes from $3 to $4, as well as there being a number of spelling and composition errors.

“Sadly, scams like this one are not uncommon. They leverage your trust in familiar brands and institutions like Australia Post, and with the ubiquity of delivery services, the breadth of victims impacted is likely to be extensive,” MailGuard said.

If you click the link, you are taken to a phishing website. (Source: MailGuard)

‘Delete it immediately’

Australia Post said it would never contact anyone via SMS or email asking for their personal or financial information or payments.

“We’re seeing a greater public awareness of scams and cybersecurity, however we encourage customers to be aware of how to spot a scam, including looking for a non-Australia Post web address and unusual sense of urgency,” an Australia Post spokesperson said.

“If customers receive a suspicious text or email message that appears to be from Australia Post, we encourage them to report it to scams@auspost.com.au and delete it immediately.”

Customers can also contact 13POST for help and support and visit the Australia Post website for more information on how to spot a phishing scam.

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