Expecting a package or delivery this sales season? Be on the lookout for scam parcel-delivery messages.
The ACMA is warning people to watch out for scam parcel-delivery SMS, emails or phone calls during the end-of-year sales period. Parcel-delivery scams are common around large retail events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
These scam messages may ask you to arrange re-delivery of a package, update your delivery details or request that you pay a fee to receive your parcel and might contain strange links. Scammers will often impersonate well-known delivery services, such as Australia Post, Amazon, DHL and StarTrack to trick you into believing the message or call is real.
Some SMS scams may slip into your legitimate message streams. For example, a scam claiming to be from Australia Post may appear among previous valid messages from the postal service about parcel delivery.
If you are not sure if an SMS, email or call about a parcel delivery is legitimate, contact the sender or delivery service using contact details you find yourself, for example through an official website or app, or via information received at the time of purchase, such as a tracking number. Do not click on any links or call any phone numbers in the message, and delete it.
Most major parcel delivery services provide advice on their websites on how to identify their genuine messages from a scam.
Downloading official tracking apps for parcel deliveries, such as the AusPost app, can help to add an extra layer of protection for consumers.
Scammers target everyone. We encourage Australians to discuss how to identify scams with friends and family. Learn more about how to protect yourself and those close to you on the ACMA website and make a report to Scamwatch.
If you’re concerned that your identity has been compromised or you’ve been a victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160.