Parcel scams on the rise as Aussies face mounting threats

New research commissioned by Australia Post has revealed a concerning trend in the rise of shipping and package delivery scams targeting Australians. According to the study, nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents reported having received fake delivery or package scam messages. This alarming statistic highlights the increasing need for individuals to track their parcels exclusively through official apps or websites to avoid falling victim to these scams.

The data further reveals the extent of the problem, with more than a quarter (27%) of those surveyed admitting they had been victims of scams. These fraudulent activities often result in financial losses or identity theft, with a small number (5%) reporting losses exceeding AUD $20,000.

The most prevalent types of scams reported by Australians include delivery and package scams (73%), overdue toll notifications (49%), prize, money or holiday wins (39%), unauthorised purchases (36%), and banking scam messages (31%). Telecommunications scams were experienced by 26% of respondents, while unpaid tax scams and false claims of children losing phones affected 22% and 8% of participants respectively.

The frequency of scam attempts is also notable, with over 80% of Australians reporting they receive up to ten scam texts and calls every week. Additionally, 15% of respondents disclosed they receive 16 or more scam emails weekly, and approximately 4% reported receiving a comparable number of fake texts and phone calls.

Australia Post is urging the public to take protective measures as scam attempts continue to rise and become harder to detect. Over half (54%) of those surveyed initially believed fraudulent delivery messages were legitimate and pursued them before realising the deception.

Paul Graham, Australia Post's Group Chief Executive & Managing Director, commented on the situation: "Australians are losing billions of dollars to scams each year. Scam attempts are becoming more sophisticated, frequent and increasingly harder to detect and our latest research reveals that most of us have already been targeted." He emphasized the importance of using the free AusPost app, which securely tracks deliveries, as the best method for customers to safeguard themselves against scams.

Australia Post has provided clear guidelines to help the public protect themselves. It will never call, text, or email individuals to request personal or financial information, including passwords, credit card details, or account information. Additionally, it will not solicit payments through these methods. Australia Post also warned that parcel delivery scams might reference other delivery company names, both real and fictitious.

This new research aligns with findings from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), indicating that Australians lost AUD $2.74 billion to scams in 2023, with over 601,000 scam reports lodged, marking an 18.5% increase from the previous year.

The ACCC advises individuals to download official apps and activate notifications to ensure the authenticity of messages. They recommend never clicking on links in unsolicited texts or emails and avoiding sharing money or personal information if uncertain. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, such as claiming a parcel could not be delivered, to incite a hasty response. The ACCC urges individuals to act quickly if something seems wrong and to immediately report financial losses to their bank.

Australians seeking further information or tips on how to navigate parcel and delivery scams are encouraged to visit the Australia Post website. The increased awareness and vigilance advocated by Australia Post aim to mitigate the growing threat posed by sophisticated scam tactics.