Cunning new Australia Post scam targeting unsuspecting sellers on Facebook Marketplace
Aussies have been urged to remain vigilant for a crafty scam that uses fake Australia Post QR codes to target unsuspecting sellers on Facebook Marketplace.
Aussies have been urged to remain vigilant for a crafty scam that uses fake Australia Post QR codes to target unsuspecting sellers on Facebook Marketplace.
Hackers are using the social media platform to dupe online sellers in a bid to steal their personal information and commit identity theft.
Cyber criminals are posing as interested customers and sending the fake QR codes to sellers in response to their advertisements on Facebook Marketplace.
When the seller tries to receive the payment using the code from the fake customer, the scammer is then able to access and steal their personal information.
One message sent by the scammers informed the seller they had paid using one of the QR codes and pre-paid the cost of the shipping.
I paid for the good. You need to confirm the transaction and receive the money. Scan the QR code to go to the AusPost website. Tell me later if you got your money so Ill have peace of mind, the message reads.
Once on the proof of payment page, click on the receive payment button and you will be taken to a page where you will be asked to select you bank.
However, the payment feature does not exist and Australia Post does not provide a pre-payment service for listings on Facebook Marketplace.
The scammers also entice sellers by claiming they have pre-paid the cost of shipping (pictured, an Australian Post worker delivering parcels)
The scammers claimed they were a business partner with Australia Post and provided an address in Queensland when the seller tried to verify who they were.
Is this still available? they wrote to the seller, in a message seen by 7News.
Do you mind if I arrange shipping by AusPost courier? I will pay for all shipping costs. I will arrange door-to-door shipping. A courier will come to you and pick up the item.
Customers have been urged to never to click on a message on social media to arrange for a courier service to deliver products advertised on Marketplace listings.
Australia Post encourages customers to exercise caution and stay vigilant against scams of all types, a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia
We will never call or message customers to request payment, or provide links or QR codes relating to online marketplace listings.
Daily Mail understands that Australia Post has been made aware of the scam.
Australia Post has been providing regular updates about the fraudulent behaviour on their website and its understood different versions of the scam currently exist.
Cyber criminals send the QR codes to Facebook Marketplace sellers after they respond to their advertisements claiming to be interested in the product (stock image)
Customers are encouraged to download the Australia Post app to ensure they have access to accurate and reliable information about their delivery services.
The latest report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that Australians lost $2.74billion to scams in 2023.
Investment scams claimed the most losses with fraudsters claiming $1.3billion.