SA Post Office warns of new scam
While the text in the messages may vary, each one contains a link that requests a payment be made for the parcel to be released.
The SA Post Office warns Highway residents of a new scam that is received via email, text or MMS in an attempt to convince the user to pay money into a fraudulent account in order to take receipt of the fictitious parcel.
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“The latest SMS message even includes the name of person who is receiving the message, and either states that the address of the receiver is illegible, or that the parcel can only be released once a clearance fee has been paid,” said the Post Office in a statement.
It noted that while the text of the emails and messages differ in format, each one contains a link to a web page.
“Should the recipient click on the link, a page requesting payment opens where the receiver can make a payment to ‘release’ a fictitious parcel,” it said.
How to spot a fake Post Office message or email:
– The Post Office will not ask for import duties or clearance fees in advance. Should there be customs fees payable on a parcel from abroad, the client will pays the fee upon pick up.
– The Post Office will not request a resident’s bank account number.
– The tracking number on the message is invalid when entered into the postal tracking website.
– The Post Office sends customers an SMS or a collection slip when they a parcel is waiting for collection at a post office branch.
“Members of the public who receive the notice should delete it immediately,” read the statement.
For postal crimes, contact the toll-free hotline 0800 020 070.
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