Australians have been urged to remain vigilant about a sneaky scam that uses fake Australia Post QR codes to target unsuspecting sellers on Facebook Marketplace.
Hackers are using the social media platform to trick online sellers in an attempt to steal their personal information and commit identity theft.
Cybercriminals pose as interested customers and send fake QR codes to sellers in response to their ads on Facebook Marketplace.
When the seller tries to receive payment using the fake customer code, the scammer can access and steal your personal information.
A message sent by the scammers informed the seller that they had paid using one of the QR codes and prepaid the shipping cost.
‘I paid for the good. You must confirm the transaction and receive the money. Scan the QR code to go to the AusPost website. Tell me later if you received your money so I can have peace of mind,’ the message says.
“Once on the proof of payment page, click on the receive payment button and you will be taken to a page where you will be asked to select your bank.”
However, the payment feature does not exist and Australia Post does not provide a prepaid service for listings on Facebook Marketplace.
Scammers also lure sellers by claiming they have prepaid the cost of shipping (pictured, an Australian Post worker delivering packages).
The scammers claimed they were business partners with Australia Post and provided an address in Queensland when the seller attempted to verify who they were.
‘Is it still available?’ They wrote to the seller, in a message seen by 7news.
‘Do you mind if I arrange shipping via AusPost courier? I will pay all shipping costs. I will arrange door to door shipping. A courier will come to you and collect the item.
Customers have been urged to never click on a message on social media to arrange a courier service to deliver products advertised in Marketplace listings.
“Australia Post encourages customers to exercise caution and remain alert against scams of all types,” a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.
We will never call or message customers to request payment, nor provide links or QR codes related to online marketplace listings.’
Daily Mail understands Australia Post has been informed of the scam.
Australia Post has been providing regular updates on fraudulent behavior on its website and it is understood that different versions of the scam currently exist.

Cybercriminals send QR codes to Facebook Marketplace sellers after they respond to their ads claiming to be interested in the product (stock image)
Customers are encouraged to download the Australia Post app to ensure they have access to accurate and reliable information about their delivery services.
The latest report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that Australians lost $2.74 billion due to scams in 2023.
Investment scams caused the most losses, with scammers claiming $1.3 billion.