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Australia Post scam ‘bombarding’ Aussies and costing them $20,000

Australia Post is urging people to protect themselves against scams as they become more sophisticated and hard to detect.

Tamika Seeto
·Finance Reporter
Updated ·2-min read

Aussies are receiving shipping or package delivery scams far more than any other. Some who are falling victim to the widespread scam are being fleeced out of thousands.

New research from Australia Post found nearly three-quarters of Aussies had received the fake delivery or package scam messages. Nearly a quarter of Aussies admitted they had fallen victim to the scam, with 5 per cent losing more than $20,000.

Fraudsters will often send text messages or emails and try to lure you into clicking on links to resolve supposed delivery issues or pay delivery fees. These links then lead to fake Australia Post or other delivery company websites that are designed to steal your personal details.

Australia Post scam text messages
Australia Post is urging Aussies to watch out for delivery scams, including fake text messages, emails and calls. (Source: Australia Post/AAP)

Have you fallen victim to a scam? Contact tamika.seeto@yahooinc.com

Australia Post is urging people to protect themselves against the scams and stressed it would never call, text or email you to ask for your personal or financial information, or to request a payment.

“Scam attempts are becoming more sophisticated, frequent and increasingly harder to detect and our latest research reveals that most of us have already been targeted,” Australia Post’s group chief executive Paul Graham said.

“With many people being bombarded with fake texts, emails and calls the best way for customers to stay safe from scams is by using the free AusPost app, which tracks deliveries securely.”

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More than 80 per cent of Aussies reported receiving between one to 10 scam texts and calls each week. Other common scams included those relating to overdue tolls, winning a prize, money or holiday, fake purchases and banking issues.

Aussies lost $2.74 billion to scams last year and made more than 601,000 scam reports, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The consumer watchdog encourages Aussies to:

  • Download official apps and turn on notifications so help ensure messages are real

  • Never click on links in texts or emails. Don’t give money or personal information if you are unsure

  • Act quickly if something feels wrong and report it to your bank if you lose money

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