- Fake Australia Post links target Australians
- Scammers trying to steal cash and your identity
Australians have been warned their identity and money could be stolen through a compelling new Australia Post scam live on Facebook Marketplace.
The scam was first discovered in September, but Australia Post has issued a new warning to protect customers when shopping online.
Scammers pose as an interested buyer while inquiring about a product for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
The scammer then sends a fake link or QR code to the seller claiming that the payment has been made and that they have paid for the shipping of the merchandise.
By clicking the link, the seller goes to a fraudulent Australia Post site to “receive money” for the item.
Scammers can then collect sensitive information from the potential seller with the goal of stealing their money or identity in an act known as “phishing.”
Australia Post highlighted that it does not provide prepaid services for online sales and warned sellers not to click on suspicious Australia Post links during a transaction.
Scammers use QR codes from fake links to Australian posts on Facebook Marketplace

Australians lost almost $60 million to social media scams last year
“Australia Post encourages its customers to exercise caution and remain alert against scams of all kinds,” an Australia Post spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.
“We will never call or message customers to request payments or provide links or QR codes related to online marketplace listings.”
The federal government has teamed up with banks, telecommunications companies and an Australian body that investigates financial crimes in a bid to crack down on online fraudsters after Australians lost millions to them last year.
Australians lost almost $60 million to social media scams in the first 10 months of 2024, more than any other scam method, according to Scamwatch reports.
“Scammers use fake or hijacked profiles on social media, messaging platforms and apps to steal money and personal information,” Scamwatch said.
“Scammers will also attempt investment scams, romance scams, and employment scams using social media.”
Australia Post has also warned customers about scammers calling on the phone, claiming they are Australia Post representatives and saying they have intercepted packages containing sensitive documents such as identity, payment cards or bank details.
They may also provide a fake name, worker ID, and case ID number in order to obtain your banking details.