Australia Post customers are being warned of a new email scam in which criminals imitate the postal service in a bid to steal personal information and even cash.
Scammers posing as the delivery giant are targeting Australians with multiple delivery scams, including claims packages are being redirected until deliveries can be made safely or asking customers to click on a link to request redelivery for a fee.
Cybercriminals send the fake messages to trick people into handing over personal and financial information, which Australia Post says it would “never” do.
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“Australia Post will never call, SMS or email customers asking for personal or financial information including password, credit card details or account information,” an Australian Post spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.
In a new email circulating online, scammers request an almost $5 “redelivery fee”.
“Please note that a nominal courier fee of $4.98 will apply for this rescheduled delivery,” the scam email reads.
The email also prompts people to click a link to update their delivery address.
“Be wary of emails that lure you into clicking on links to resolve delivery issues or pay delivery fees,” Australia Post warned.
“These links lead to fake Australia Post websites designed to steal your personal and financial information.”
The postal service said fraudulent SMS messages and emails often featured similar characteristics to “phishing emails”, in which scammers attempted to trick people into giving out information by using the name and logo of trusted brands.
Many popular scams often reference “tracking a parcel” or “collecting your prize”.
“We encourage anyone who sees a suspicious message appearing to be from Australia Post to report it immediately,” the spokesperson said.
Queensland Police encourages people who have been affected by a scam, either through financial or other loss, to make an official complaint.
It also advises people to contact their bank if they believe they have been scammed, who may recommend cancelling and reissuing your credit or bank cards.