Are you unknowingly helping cyber criminals? This scam is fooling many
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Scammers are always looking for new ways to target unsuspecting individuals, and online sellers have become the latest victims.
What seemed like a straightforward transaction could quickly turn into a nightmare, as fraudsters exploit unsuspecting sellers in a sophisticated scheme.
As this scam continues to unfold, concerns over the safety of personal information are growing.
Scammers used fake Australia Post QR codes to target sellers on social media’s Marketplace, aiming to steal personal information.
Cybercriminals posed as potential buyers and sent these fraudulent QR codes in response to sellers’ advertisements.
When sellers attempted to use the code to accept payments, the fraudsters were able to access their private details.
One scam message read: ‘I paid for the goods. 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 I'll have peace of mind.’
The message continued, ‘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 your bank.’
However, the payment feature didn’t exist, and Australia Post doesn't offer pre-payment services for Marketplace listings.
To add legitimacy, the fraudsters falsely claimed they had already pre-paid shipping costs.
The scammer posed as an Australia Post business partner, even providing a fake Queensland address when questioned by the seller.
They asked: ‘Is this still available?’ and offered to arrange shipping through Australia Post, saying they’d cover all shipping costs.
Sellers were warned never to click on unsolicited messages that promised to arrange a courier for items listed on social media's Marketplace.
Australia Post issued a reminder to stay cautious: ‘Australia Post encourages customers to exercise caution and stay vigilant against scams of all types.’
A spokesperson also clarified: ‘We will never call or message customers to request payment, or provide links or QR codes relating to online marketplace listings.’
The fraudulent activity was flagged by Australia Post, which regularly updated its website with details of the scam.
The scammers targeted Facebook Marketplace sellers by sending fake QR codes after showing interest in the items.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported that Australians lost $2.74 billion to scams in 2023, with investment fraud accounting for $1.3 billion.
Australia Post advised customers to download the app for accurate information on deliveries.
As scammers continue to find new ways to deceive online sellers, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant.
Keep up with the latest scams and learn how to protect yourself with the SDC forum's Cybersecurity for Aussies Over 60 module here.
Have you ever encountered a similar scam? Do you have any tips to help others avoid falling victim?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
What seemed like a straightforward transaction could quickly turn into a nightmare, as fraudsters exploit unsuspecting sellers in a sophisticated scheme.
As this scam continues to unfold, concerns over the safety of personal information are growing.
Scammers used fake Australia Post QR codes to target sellers on social media’s Marketplace, aiming to steal personal information.
Cybercriminals posed as potential buyers and sent these fraudulent QR codes in response to sellers’ advertisements.
When sellers attempted to use the code to accept payments, the fraudsters were able to access their private details.
One scam message read: ‘I paid for the goods. 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 I'll have peace of mind.’
The message continued, ‘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 your bank.’
However, the payment feature didn’t exist, and Australia Post doesn't offer pre-payment services for Marketplace listings.
To add legitimacy, the fraudsters falsely claimed they had already pre-paid shipping costs.
The scammer posed as an Australia Post business partner, even providing a fake Queensland address when questioned by the seller.
They asked: ‘Is this still available?’ and offered to arrange shipping through Australia Post, saying they’d cover all shipping costs.
Sellers were warned never to click on unsolicited messages that promised to arrange a courier for items listed on social media's Marketplace.
Australia Post issued a reminder to stay cautious: ‘Australia Post encourages customers to exercise caution and stay vigilant against scams of all types.’
A spokesperson also clarified: ‘We will never call or message customers to request payment, or provide links or QR codes relating to online marketplace listings.’
The fraudulent activity was flagged by Australia Post, which regularly updated its website with details of the scam.
The scammers targeted Facebook Marketplace sellers by sending fake QR codes after showing interest in the items.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported that Australians lost $2.74 billion to scams in 2023, with investment fraud accounting for $1.3 billion.
Australia Post advised customers to download the app for accurate information on deliveries.
As scammers continue to find new ways to deceive online sellers, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant.
Keep up with the latest scams and learn how to protect yourself with the SDC forum's Cybersecurity for Aussies Over 60 module here.
Have you ever encountered a similar scam? Do you have any tips to help others avoid falling victim?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
