Yahoo Finance Two-letter sign this text is a scam
Scammers attempting to trick Australians into handing over money have been sending dangerous text messages, but there’s one sign the message is a scam.
The text message reads: “We have attempted to deliver ur package AU26466A1, but there is an unpaid customs charge. Follow the instructions here:”
The scam text then includes a link for victims to click.
However, the text is not legitimate, as the Australia Post has confirmed on Facebook.
“Please do not click on any links or provide any bank details - this is a scam,” the national postal service said in response to one person’s question.
And according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch service, there’s a clear sign this text message is an error; the word “ur”.
As Scamwatch explains, spelling and grammar errors often indicate a message is a scam.
The scam is similar to several Australia Post email scams encouraging Australians to pay unpaid shipping costs to receive a package. Once victims click the link, they’re taken to a fake website designed to steal their financial and personal information.
“Please note that Australia Post will never email or text message you asking for personal information, financial information or a payment,” the parcel service advises.
“If you are in doubt about the authenticity of an email, text message or phone call, please delete immediately or hang up.
“If you believe you have sent any personal or financial information to a scam email address or entered it into a scam website and are worried that your identity may have been stolen, please call ID CARE on 1800 595 160 OR view the ID CARE factsheet to be used by customers impacted by SMS scams.”
In a statement to Yahoo Finance, an Australia Post spokesperson called on Australians to be particularly cautious in the lead up to Christmas.
“People who have received what they think is a scam can contact us on 13 POST or visit our website for more information.”
Australians have already lost $132 million to scams in 2020, according to Scamwatch. More than $15 million was lost to scams in October alone.
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