Text message scam strikes unsuspecting customers

A new scam text message is doing the rounds once again, tricking recipients into handing over their personal and financial information.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) ScamWatch has received more than 12,000 reports of such scam text messages since August 2021.

The text message appears to be sent from parcel delivery services such as Amazon or Australia Post and directs the recipient to tap a link to download an app or organise a time for parcel delivery.

The link, when clicked, downloads malicious software that steals your personal contact information and passwords.

ACCC’s Delic Rickard told 9 News the scams can be difficult to spot.

“Because each message comes from a legitimate number, and they are all different they are very difficult to stop,” she said.

Although scam messages can be difficult to spot, the Norton Security Centre has published some helpful tips on how to avoid falling victim to scammers which include:

• Do not reply to a spam text message as replying in any form will let the scammer know your number is genuine
• Avoid clicking on any links included in the message as these will often download malware on your device
• Report any scam messages to your phone provider or to the ACCC ScamWatch

Australia Post is aware of a number of their customers who have received the fraudulent messages and are advising customers not to click the link and they will never request personal or financial information via email or text.

Both Android and iPhone can receive the fake text message.