When you're anxiously waiting for that perfect gift to arrive for your grandchild's birthday, the last thing you want to see is a text saying there's a delivery problem.
But this exact scenario is becoming the weapon of choice for Australia's most successful scammers, and the numbers are more alarming than you might think.
A mother's near-miss with an Australia Post scam earlier this year highlights just how sophisticated these fraudsters have become.
Racing against time to ensure her daughter's 16th birthday gifts arrived on schedule, she received what appeared to be a legitimate text from Australia Post about an invalid postal code. The message hit every psychological pressure point—urgency, authority, and the fear of disappointing someone she loved.
'I am ashamed to admit, I almost did it,' she confessed. 'My immediate response was to activate the link and check on it.'
She's far from alone in that moment of vulnerability.
The staggering scale of Australia's scam crisis
Research conducted by Pollfish in April 2025 reveals that 90 per cent of Australians have received a scam text or call, with nearly three-quarters reporting being targeted by scams mimicking parcel delivery services. Even more concerning, 85 per cent of Australians report being more concerned about scams today than they were 12 months ago.
The financial toll is devastating. Australians reported close to 250,000 scams last year, with financial losses totalling $318.8 million, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre's Scamwatch service. Phone scams alone resulted in $107.2 million in losses.
'Scammers prey on busy lifestyles and the excitement and urgency in waiting for a package'
What makes delivery scams so effective
They exploit our expectation of regular online deliveries
Create artificial urgency with 24-hour deadlines
Use familiar logos and official-sounding language
Target emotional triggers like disappointing loved ones
Arrive when we're distracted or stressed
Why seniors are in the crosshairs
While scam awareness has generally increased, there's a troubling generational gap in confidence levels. Older generations, like Boomers and the Silent Generation, are more likely to report being only 'somewhat confident' about identifying digital scams, creating a particular vulnerability that scammers are eager to exploit.
This isn't about intelligence or experience—it's about unfamiliarity with digital tactics. Many seniors didn't grow up questioning every text message or email, and the trusting nature that served them well in previous decades now makes them prime targets.
Andrew Reeves, Deputy Director of the Institute for Cyber Security at UNSW, explains the psychology behind these attacks: 'Scammers have long been effective at leveraging our own psychology against us.'
He identifies three key tactics that work particularly well on anyone under pressure:
Consistency: Scammers align with our expectations, knowing many people order gifts online and expect SMS delivery updates. This is why Australia Post scams surge during Christmas shopping season.
Fear: The scammer creates panic by threatening consequences—your parcel will be returned, destroyed, or you'll miss an important delivery.
Authority: By impersonating trusted organisations like Australia Post, they borrow credibility to bypass our natural scepticism.
The new wave of sophisticated tricks
From Wednesday 12 March 2025, Australia Post began sending updated tracking email notifications that are clearer, consistent and more secure, partly in response to the scam epidemic. But criminals are adapting faster than protective measures can be implemented.
Recent variations include:
- Fake buyer scams targeting online sellers with QR codes
- Messages claiming parcels need 'address label corrections'
- Scams referencing other delivery companies, both real and fictitious
- Social media messages and WhatsApp notifications
The recent iiNet data breach in August 2025, which exposed up to 280,000 email addresses and phone numbers, has likely provided scammers with fresh contact lists, potentially explaining the surge in targeted messages many are experiencing.
Spotting the red flags before it's too late
Fraudulent SMS messages will often ask you to click a link which directs you to a web page that isn't part of Australia Post. If the link looks unfamiliar, it's likely a scam.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's National Anti-Scam Centre warns to watch for these specific warning signs:
- Urgent demands and artificial deadlines
- Unfamiliar contact numbers
- Messages that don't address you by name
- Spelling and grammatical errors
- Suspicious website addresses
Australia Post will NEVER:
- Ask for personal or financial information via text, email, or phone calls
- Request payment through these communication methods
- Send messages via social media platforms
- Call you asking for passwords or credit card details
Your action plan for staying safe
The most effective protection is surprisingly simple: Download the official AusPost app and enable notifications for legitimate delivery and tracking updates. The app now includes 'missed delivery' photos to give customers confidence that a delivery attempt was actually made.
When you receive any delivery-related message:
- Don't click links or call numbers in the text
- Open the Australia Post app to check your deliveries
- If you don't have parcels coming, delete the message
- Cross-check the sender's details and verify through Australia Post's official website or customer service helpline
For those who feel vulnerable to these sophisticated tactics, cybersecurity expert Andrew Reeves recommends finding a 'cyber buddy' - a trusted friend or family member you can forward questionable messages to for a second opinion. 'Their distance from the situation can help take the heat out of it if you're struggling to think objectively.'
If you've already clicked: damage control steps
Don't panic if you've already interacted with a suspicious message. If you clicked on a link and think you may have fallen victim to a scam, notify your bank or financial institution immediately.
Additional steps include:
- Change passwords on any accounts where you entered information
- Request a copy of your credit report from a credit reporting agency
- Report the scam to [email protected] so they can investigate
- Contact iDCare on 1800 595 160 for identity theft support
Contact Australia Post to check that your mail hasn't been redirected—a common follow-up tactic used by scammers who've obtained your personal information.
The Christmas rush: when scammers strike hardest
As we head into the Christmas shopping season, these scams traditionally ramp up significantly. Scammers prey on busy lifestyles and the excitement and urgency of waiting for packages, particularly gifts for loved ones.
The emotional stakes are higher during the holidays—nobody wants to be the reason Christmas morning is disappointing. Scammers understand this vulnerability and time their attacks accordingly.
Did you know?
Did you know? Delivery scams follow seasonal patterns, peaking during Christmas shopping, back-to-school periods, and major sale events like Black Friday. Scammers study shopping habits to maximise their success rates.
Planning ahead can protect you. If you're ordering Christmas gifts, set up the Australia Post app beforehand and familiarise yourself with how legitimate tracking notifications appear. Consider having purchases delivered to a family member who's more confident with digital security, or use parcel lockers for added security.
The woman who nearly fell for the birthday gift scam learned a valuable lesson: 'I can see how easily people can fall for them—not when they are calm and rested and in their right minds, but when they are tired or busy or stressed out.'
That moment of recognition—pausing to think when every instinct says to act quickly—could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
What This Means For You
By staying informed, using official apps, and taking a moment to think before acting, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe from these increasingly sophisticated scams. Remember: legitimate companies will never pressure you to act immediately, and when in doubt, it's always better to verify through official channels than risk your personal information.
Have you received suspicious delivery messages recently? What strategies have worked best for you in staying safe from scams? Share your experiences below—your story might help protect another community member from falling victim to these clever criminals.
Original Article
https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/te...birthday/92e05c63-c1b2-4f6b-8496-0465bc6774a2
Australia Post warns customers about rising number of parcel scam messages—Parcel and Postal Technology International
Cited text: Research conducted by Pollfish in April 2025 of 1,000 Australians revealed 90 per cent have received a scam text or call and nearly three-quarters report bein...
Excerpt: Research conducted by Pollfish in April 2025 reveals that 90 per cent of Australians have received a scam text or call, with nearly three-quarters reporting being targeted by scams mimicking parcel delivery services
https://www.parcelandpostaltechnolo...ut-rising-number-of-parcel-scam-messages.html
Australia Post warns of new phishing scam targeting its customers—Cyber Daily
Cited text: 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 ...
Excerpt: Research conducted by Pollfish in April 2025 reveals that 90 per cent of Australians have received a scam text or call, with nearly three-quarters reporting being targeted by scams mimicking parcel delivery services
https://www.cyberdaily.au/security/...-of-new-phishing-scam-targeting-its-customers
Australia Post warns customers about rising number of parcel scam messages—Parcel and Postal Technology International
Cited text: The research also showed that 85 per cent were more concerned about scams today than they were 12 months ago.
Excerpt: 85 per cent of Australians report being more concerned about scams today than they were 12 months ago
https://www.parcelandpostaltechnolo...ut-rising-number-of-parcel-scam-messages.html
Australia Post warns of new phishing scam targeting its customers—Cyber Daily
Cited text: ... 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 busine...
Excerpt: 85 per cent of Australians report being more concerned about scams today than they were 12 months ago
https://www.cyberdaily.au/security/...-of-new-phishing-scam-targeting-its-customers
Australia Post warns of new scam—News | InDaily, Inside South Australia
Cited text: Australians reported close to 250,000 scams last year, with financial losses totalling $318.8 million, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Sc...
Excerpt: Australians reported close to 250,000 scams last year, with financial losses totalling $318.8 million, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre's Scamwatch service
https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/in-depth/2025/05/20/australia-post-warns-of-new-scam
Australia Post warns of new scam—News | InDaily, Inside Queensland
Cited text: Australians reported close to 250,000 scams last year, with financial losses totalling $318.8 million, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Sc...
Excerpt: Australians reported close to 250,000 scams last year, with financial losses totalling $318.8 million, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre's Scamwatch service
https://www.indailyqld.com.au/news/in-depth/2025/05/20/australia-post-warns-of-new-scam
Australia Post warns of new scam—News | InDaily, Inside South Australia
Cited text: Phone scams had the highest overall losses for contact method, with $107.2 million reported lost across 2179 reports.
Excerpt: Phone scams alone resulted in $107.2 million in losses
https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/in-depth/2025/05/20/australia-post-warns-of-new-scam
Australia Post warns of new scam—News | InDaily, Inside Queensland
Cited text: Phone scams had the highest overall losses for contact method, with $107.2 million reported lost across 2179 reports.
Excerpt: Phone scams alone resulted in $107.2 million in losses
https://www.indailyqld.com.au/news/in-depth/2025/05/20/australia-post-warns-of-new-scam
Australia Post warns of scam surge as parcel fraud messages sweep nation
Cited text: In contrast, these older generations, like Boomers and the Silent Generation, are more likely to report being only 'somewhat confident', highlighting ...
Excerpt: Older generations, like Boomers and the Silent Generation, are more likely to report being only 'somewhat confident' about identifying digital scams
https://lismoreapp.com.au/NewsStory...essages-sweep-nation/68284be6a2e409002ea6a795
Australia Post warns of scam surge as parcel fraud messages sweep nation
Cited text: With scams becoming more sophisticated and convincing — over 57 per cent of Australians believe scams are getting smarter — Australia Post is urging the publi...
Excerpt: Scammers align with our expectations, knowing many people order gifts online and expect SMS delivery updates
https://lismoreapp.com.au/NewsStory...essages-sweep-nation/68284be6a2e409002ea6a795
Scam alerts—Australia Post
Cited text: From Wednesday 12 March 2025, you’ll receive updated tracking email notifications that are clearer, consistent and more secure.
Excerpt: From Wednesday 12 March 2025, Australia Post began sending updated tracking email notifications that are clearer, consistent and more secure
https://auspost.com.au/about-us/about-our-site/online-security-scams-fraud/scam-alerts
Online security, scams & fraud—Australia Post
Cited text: From Wednesday 12 March 2025, you’ll receive updated tracking email notifications that are clearer, consistent and more secure.
Excerpt: From Wednesday 12 March 2025, Australia Post began sending updated tracking email notifications that are clearer, consistent and more secure
https://auspost.com.au/about-us/about-our-site/online-security-scams-fraud
Scams in Australia September 2025: types, latest cybercrime trends and how to protect yourself | TechRadar
Cited text: Be wary of emotional tricks: if ... Popular Australian ISP iiNet had its customer database hacked in August 2025, leading to up to 280,000 email addre...
Excerpt: The recent iiNet data breach in August 2025, which exposed up to 280,000 email addresses and phone numbers
https://www.techradar.com/computing/cyber-security/scams-in-australia
Scams in Australia September 2025: types, latest cybercrime trends and how to protect yourself | TechRadar
Cited text: Be wary of emotional tricks: if a message seems urgent, be aware that the scammer may be trying to force you to act before thinking · Use security too...
Excerpt: The recent iiNet data breach in August 2025, which exposed up to 280,000 email addresses and phone numbers
https://www.techradar.com/computing/cyber-security/scams-in-australia
Online security, scams & fraud—Australia Post
Cited text: Fraudulent SMS messages will often ask you to click a link which directs you to a web page that isn't part of Australia Post. If the link looks unfami...
Excerpt: Fraudulent SMS messages will often ask you to click a link which directs you to a web page that isn't part of Australia Post.
https://auspost.com.au/about-us/about-our-site/online-security-scams-fraud
Scam alerts—Australia Post
Cited text: For added protection, we recommend downloading our AusPost app and enable in-app notifications for legitimate delivery and tracking updates.
Excerpt: Download the official AusPost app and enable notifications for legitimate delivery and tracking updates
https://auspost.com.au/about-us/about-our-site/online-security-scams-fraud/scam-alerts
Scam alerts—Australia Post
Cited text: Download our app to ensure you’re receiving legitimate delivery notifications from Australia Post.
Excerpt: Download the official AusPost app and enable notifications for legitimate delivery and tracking updates
https://auspost.com.au/about-us/about-our-site/online-security-scams-fraud/scam-alerts
Australia Post warns of scam surge as parcel fraud messages sweep nation
Cited text: The AusPost app provides a safe alternative for customers, offering a secure place to receive delivery updates, track parcels along their journey, and...
Excerpt: Download the official AusPost app and enable notifications for legitimate delivery and tracking updates
https://lismoreapp.com.au/NewsStory...essages-sweep-nation/68284be6a2e409002ea6a795
Australia Post warns of scam surge as parcel fraud messages sweep nation
Cited text: Australia Post continues to improve and innovate the AusPost app, with a recent enhancement including the addition of ‘missed delivery’ photos to give...
Excerpt: The app now includes 'missed delivery' photos to give customers confidence that a delivery attempt was actually made
https://lismoreapp.com.au/NewsStory...essages-sweep-nation/68284be6a2e409002ea6a795
Beware of Australia Post Text Scams | Qbit Cybersecurity
Cited text: Cross-check the sender’s details and verify the authenticity of the message. Check directly with Australia Post through their official website, Mobile...
Excerpt: Cross-check the sender's details and verify through Australia Post's official website or customer service helpline
https://qbit.com.au/blog/australia-post-scam-texts/
Beware of Australia Post Text Scams | Qbit Cybersecurity
Cited text: If you do click on a link and think you may have fallen victim to a scam, responding to data breaches is essential. Notify your bank or financial inst...
Excerpt: If you clicked on a link and think you may have fallen victim to a scam, notify your bank or financial institution immediately
https://qbit.com.au/blog/australia-post-scam-texts/
Online security, scams & fraud—Australia Post
Cited text: Request a copy of your credit report from a credit reporting agency.
Excerpt: Request a copy of your credit report from a credit reporting agency
https://auspost.com.au/about-us/about-our-site/online-security-scams-fraud
Scam alerts—Australia Post
Cited text: If you’ve received a suspicious email, invoice or text message claiming to be from Australia Post, send it to [email protected] so that we can inve...
Excerpt: Report the scam to [email protected] so they can investigate
https://auspost.com.au/about-us/about-our-site/online-security-scams-fraud/scam-alerts
Online security, scams & fraud—Australia Post
Cited text: If you have received a suspicious email/text message, social media message, or call purporting to be from Australia Post: Report the details to scams@...
Excerpt: Report the scam to [email protected] so they can investigate
https://auspost.com.au/about-us/about-our-site/online-security-scams-fraud
Online security, scams & fraud—Australia Post
Cited text: Contact Australia Post to check that your mail hasn't been redirected.
Excerpt: Contact Australia Post to check that your mail hasn't been redirected
https://auspost.com.au/about-us/about-our-site/online-security-scams-fraud
Australia Post warns of scam surge as parcel fraud messages sweep nation
Cited text: 'Scammers prey on busy lifestyles and the excitement and urgency in waiting for a package.
Excerpt: Scammers prey on busy lifestyles and the excitement and urgency of waiting for packages
https://lismoreapp.com.au/NewsStory...essages-sweep-nation/68284be6a2e409002ea6a795
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