Australia Post "Delivery Failed" Email — Is It a Scam?
You received an email from what looks like Australia Post saying a delivery failed and you need to pay a fee or update your details. Australia Post will leave a physical card if they miss a delivery. This email is a phishing scam.
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How This Scam Works
High Risk — Common Australian Delivery Scam
Australia Post does not email or text you payment links for failed deliveries. If they miss a delivery, they leave a physical card at your door.
You receive an email claiming to be from Australia Post saying a delivery has failed and you need to pay a small fee or update your details to receive your parcel. The email includes a link to a website that mimics Australia Post's branding.
The fake website asks for your name, address, date of birth, and credit card details. Some versions also ask for your driver's licence number or Medicare details. The scammers use this information for identity theft and financial fraud.
According to Scamwatch (ACCC), Australians reported over 601,000 scam contacts in 2023, with delivery scams among the most common. Australia Post is one of the most impersonated brands in Australian phishing campaigns, particularly during the holiday shopping period.
Red Flags
- Claims a delivery failed and asks you to pay a fee
- Sender address is not from @auspost.com.au
- Link does not point to auspost.com.au
- Asks for credit card details, driver's licence, or Medicare number
- Contains a tracking number that doesn't match any real parcel
Australia Post handles missed deliveries by leaving a physical collection card at your address. You can then collect the parcel from your local Post Office or arrange redelivery through the official website at no charge.
What You Should Do
What To Do
- Do not click any links in the email
- Check for a physical delivery card at your door
- Track any parcels directly at auspost.com.au/receiving/track-parcels
- If you entered payment details, contact your bank immediately
- Report the scam to Scamwatch
How to Verify Legitimately
Go directly to auspost.com.au and use the Track & Trace tool with any tracking number from the email. If the tracking number is invalid, the email is fake. You can also call Australia Post on 13 13 18 to check your delivery status.
Sources
- Scamwatch (ACCC) — Targeting Scams: Report of the ACCC on Scams Activity 2023 (over 601,000 scam reports)
- Australia Post — Online security, scams and fraud