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Fraudulent messages are surging across the country as part of a global trend in phishing-as-a-service operations.
Australia Post has warned its customers to be aware of a new phishing scam sent via iMessage and Rich Communication Services.
The scam claims that a delivery has failed due to an incorrect postcode. Victims are asked to verify their postcode within 24 hours by clicking on a link, which is malicious and designed to harvest personal information.
“Scammers prey on busy lifestyles and the excitement and urgency in waiting for a package,” Adam Cartwright, Australia Post’s chief information security officer, said in a 16 May statement.
Cartwright said that the safest way to confirm and track a package is through Australia Post’s official app.
“If you’re expecting a parcel, don’t click on suspicious links or respond to unexpected messages – always check the app first,” he said.
The new scam is attributed to the Darcula phishing-as-a-service operation, which rents out its infrastructure, providing scammers with a sophisticated toolkit capable of bypassing many network and telco filters.
According to Australia Post, the current campaign is part of a wider, global trend targeting postal services and their customers.
Australia Post has also released new statistics revealing that the vast majority of Australians have received some form of postal scam. More than 90 per cent of Aussies have received some form of scam message or call, with 74 per cent reporting that fake package and delivery scams are the most common ones received.
Eighty-five per cent of Australians reported they were more concerned about scams than they were a year ago, while 58 per cent believe that businesses are not doing enough to protect their customers.
Australia Post affirmed that it will never ask its customers for financial or personal information via calls, texts, or emails, and will never request a payment via those methods of communication.
What to do if you’re a victim of a scam
Situations such as this can be upsetting. If you, or someone you know, needs help, we encourage you to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. They provide 24/7 support services.
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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