Australians are being urged to be more vigilant when using Facebook Marketplace.
Scammers are increasingly impersonating potential buyers and falsely using the name of Australia Post to trick sellers.
This latest wave of fraud involves criminals pretending to show interest in products listed for sale and then offering to arrange a fake payment method involving Australia Post services.
The scam typically begins with a fraudster messaging the seller, expressing interest in their listed product.
They often ask for additional information or negotiate the price before suggesting a seemingly legitimate offer.
The fraudster provides a counterfeit link containing a QR code, falsely claiming that payment has been completed and they have covered the shipping costs for the item.
In one instance, the supposed buyer shared the link with the seller on Facebook Marketplace, saying, “All done. Let me know when you confirm it.”
By clicking the link, the seller is redirected to a fake Australia Post website designed to trick them into believing they are receiving payment for the item.
These scammers are using fake Australia Post links not to make a payment, but to extract sensitive information from sellers in a fraudulent scheme called “phishing,” which is designed to steal personal data, commit identity theft, and more.
Australia Post does not offer prepayment options for transactions on online marketplace platforms.
First identified in September, the scam led Australia Post to issue a renewed warning on Friday, January 17, to better protect customers from online fraud.
Australia Post confirmed the main goal of the scam is to steal payment card details by targeting and compromising the seller’s sensitive information.
An Australia Post representative advised customers to remain cautious and alert when dealing with scams of any kind, as reported by NewsWire.
“We will never ask for payments via phone calls or messages, nor will we send links or QR codes connected to online marketplace listings,” the spokesperson clarified.
This alert follows findings from Scamwatch’s most recent reports, revealing that Australians suffered more financial losses through social media scams than any other communication channel in 2024.
Over 6,000 individuals have reported losing a total of $58.3 million to scams on social media during the first 10 months of 2024.
According to Scamwatch, fraudsters often create fake or hijacked profiles on social media, messaging platforms, and apps to steal both money and personal information.
