Australia Post issues new warning to Facebook Marketplace sellers about sophisticated courier payment scams
Australians selling items online are being warned to be wary of a rise in scams targeting the thriving second-hand market.
Australia Post has issued a new warning about sophisticated scams targeting people using platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, as criminals take advantage of the country’s growing online resale activity.
Last year Australians spent a record $18.9 billion on online marketplaces, creating more opportunities for fraudsters to break into private sales.
Scams often begin with a buyer showing immediate interest in a listing. Instead of arranging collection or direct payment, the fake buyer sends a link or QR code via Messenger and claims that this leads to an official “Australia Post courier service” that will handle payment and delivery.
Anyone who clicks on the link is directed to convincing fake websites designed to steal sensitive personal and financial information.
Australia Post chief information officer Adam Cartwright said these tactics were becoming increasingly difficult to spot as fraudsters took advantage of the convenience and familiarity of digital shipping services.
Mr Cartwright warned that criminals were falsely claiming to be acting as intermediaries for the postal service, collecting money from buyers, passing it on to sellers and directing delivery.
“Please note that Australia Post does not reimburse recipients and does not have a courier service associated with Facebook Marketplace,” Mr Cartwright said.
The problem is growing, with more than 2,500 Australians reporting these particular Facebook Marketplace scams to Australia Post so far this year.
To combat the rise in delivery-related fraud, the national carrier is urging people to adopt safer online habits.
The official AusPost app remains the most reliable way to track legitimate deliveries as it uses secure push notifications rather than easily spoofed texts or emails.
Australia Post reminded users that it will never ask for passwords, credit card numbers or bank details over the phone, text or email.
If a buyer insists on using a link to “verify” payment or arrange for a courier, this is almost certainly a scam.
