UPDATE: Australians are on high alert as Australia Post unveils a sophisticated wave of phishing scams targeting Facebook Marketplace sellers. With the Christmas shopping season rapidly approaching, scammers are exploiting the urgency of online transactions, posing as buyers to deceive unsuspecting sellers.
Authorities confirm that scammers are reaching out via Facebook Messenger, claiming they will pay for items once postage is organized. They send links or QR codes leading to fraudulent websites mimicking the official Australia Post courier service. Clicking these links prompts sellers to pay for a “collection,” which does not exist. Instead, the aim is to harvest sensitive financial and personal information.
Recent research by Australia Post reveals that over 90 percent of Australians have received scam texts or calls impersonating postal services. Alarmingly, nearly 75 percent reported interactions with scammers posing as Australia Post representatives.
Adam Cartwright, Australia Post’s chief information security officer, emphasizes the importance of vigilance. “As the pre-Christmas sales ramp up and more Aussies are expecting deliveries, scammers are exploiting that anticipation and urgency to trick people into clicking fake links or handing over personal information,” Cartwright told 9News. He urges the public to be skeptical of unsolicited messages requesting personal or payment details, stating, “You can be confident it’s not from us.”
Cartwright advises Australians to track parcels exclusively through the official AusPost app, reinforcing that Australia Post never solicits personal or financial information through texts, emails, or calls. Customers are encouraged to report any scam attempts involving requests for passwords, credit card information, or bank details immediately.
In addition to the Facebook Marketplace scams, Australia Post has raised concerns over the resurgence of the ‘Dracula’ scam. This scam involves fraudulent messages claiming delivery failures due to invalid postcodes, directing victims to counterfeit websites that closely resemble the official postal service page. These scams employ end-to-end encrypted messaging, making them particularly difficult to detect.
The festive shopping season has heightened the urgency for consumers to stay aware and informed. With scammers continually evolving their tactics, the importance of safeguarding personal information cannot be overstated.
As the situation develops, Australians are urged to share this warning widely, ensuring that friends and family remain vigilant against these increasingly sophisticated scams. Stay safe and always verify before clicking on any links promising delivery services.
