Yahoo Finance Australia Post scam warning issued after notification slip scrapped: ‘Do not trust this text’
Can you tell the difference between these two texts? It could cost you a fortune if you don't.
Australia Post customers are being warned to stay alert for scammers preying on those ordering Christmas gifts online after a change in its delivery process.
NSW Police posted an image of a text message that’s been circulating, pretending to be from Australia Post.
The postage network recently scrapped ‘attempted delivery’ cards, instead issuing text messages or notifications through its app to tell customers a postie was unable to deliver a package.
This is the first Christmas with the new process in place and it could cause confusion as shoppers prepare for the festive season.
Police have urged Aussies not to share personal details or click on suspicious links.
RELATED
“If you've made an order, verify the message's authenticity by using the official Australia Post website,” NSW Police said.
Australia Post told Yahoo Finance it would “never contact anyone via SMS or email asking for personal or financial information or payments”.
How do I know if an Australia Post text is legitimate?
These are the types of texts it will send, which makes it clear the left hand text is the legitimate one and the right the scam.
“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,” a spokesperson told Yahoo Finance.
“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.”
How do I protect myself from scammers?
Aussies lost a record $3.1 billion to scammers last year, an 80 per cent increase on the previous year.
Scamwatch warn to beware of the following scenarios:
It’s an amazing opportunity to make or save money
Someone you haven’t met needs your help - and money
The message contains links or attachments
You feel pressured to act quickly
They ask you to pay in an unusual or specific way
They ask you to set up new accounts or Pay ID
What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?
Contact your bank and report the scam. Ask them to stop transactions and stop sending any money.
Report the scam to Scamwatch here and make an official complaint to police here.
Watch out for follow up scams, particularly ones promising they can get your money back. Scamwatch warned one in three victims of a scam are scammed more than once.
Lastly, get support for yourself. You can talk to a financial counsellor or reach out to BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636 or here for an online chat or Lifeline for crisis support online here on 13 11 14.
You can also contact IDCARE to “reduce the harm they experience from the compromise and misuse of their identity information by providing effective response and mitigation”.
Follow Yahoo Finance on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to our free daily newsletter.
