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Warning over dangerous Australia Post parcel scam

People are being warned of a dangerous new bogus email and text message purporting to be from Australia Post.

“Unfortunaltey (sic), you have missed us!” the email reads.

The email goes on to explain a carrier has tried to deliver a package but no one at the property was present to receive it, and offers a link to change the delivery time.

But according to security company MailGuard, “clicking this link would be a really bad idea”.

Australia Post are warning of the scam email. Source: Australia Post
Australia Post are warning of the scam email. Source: Australia Post

“The link would take you to a zipped file that contains malware and can do a lot of damage, installing spyware or viruses,” MailGuard writes.

“With Xmas right around the corner the timing of this scam is particularly opportunistic.

"This is the busiest part of the year for parcel delivery, and scammers know that during the holiday season people are distracted and potentially more vulnerable to trickery.”

The scam includes a text message notifying of a package. Source: Australia Post
The scam includes a text message notifying of a package. Source: Australia Post

In a statement, Australia Post said it is aware of the email and SMS, and told customers not to click on the link.

“Please note that Australia Post will never email or SMS message you asking to click on a link to print out a receipt/label for parcel collection/tracking nor will Australia Post email you asking for your personal or financial information, including any form of ID, passwords, credit card details and account information or to ask you to verify any information,” the statement reads.