Warning as scammers use fake AusPost link to target unsuspecting sellers
Aussies are urged to be cautious of a new scam involving fake Australia Post links on Facebook Marketplace
Australia, Scam, Facebook Marketplace, Australia Post, Identity Theft
Melbourne: There’s a new scam going around that’s got everyone on edge. Scammers are pretending to be buyers on Facebook Marketplace, using fake Australia Post links to trick sellers.
Here’s how it works: the scammer shows interest in a product and then sends a link claiming they’ve already paid for it. They even throw in a QR code to make it look legit.
One seller got a message saying, “Done. So tell me when u confirm it.” Sounds harmless, right? But if you click that link, you’re taken to a fake Australia Post site designed to steal your info.
Australia Post is sounding the alarm, reminding everyone that they don’t offer prepayment services for items sold online. So, if you see a link like that, just don’t click it!
This scam has been around since September, but the warning was just issued again to keep folks safe while shopping online. It’s all about protecting your personal info from these sneaky fraudsters.
In fact, social media scams have cost Australians a whopping $58.3 million this year alone! That’s over 6,000 reports of people losing money to these scams.
Scamwatch has pointed out that scammers are getting crafty, using fake profiles on social media to steal money and personal details. They’re not just stopping at marketplace scams either; they’re also trying their hand at investment and romance scams.