An Post has stated that it is aware of scams circulating in the run-up to Black Friday and Christmas, with fraudsters sending fake emails and texts to customers, pretending to be from An Post, typically notifying them of a parcel delivery.
The company is asking everyone to be extra vigilant, as these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and realistic. With links to websites that, to the untrained eye, appear very real indeed, and with people ordering online in their thousands in the run-up to Christmas, the number of these scams is on the rise.
An Post says: ‘We are aware that fraudsters are sending fake emails and texts to customers, pretending to be from An Post. We are asking customers to remain vigilant and be scam aware.’
So, what can you do to ensure you don’t become a victim of one of these scams and have money stolen from your account by these online thieves?
Firstly, do not trust that every text or email you get is legitimate. If it is not from a known contact, then extra care and attention are needed.
An Post says, ‘We have information about what to look out for and what actions to take if you have been affected. If you have any doubts about a message you have received about parcel delivery charges or banking transactions, our Post and Parcel Customer Services and An Post Money Customer Services Teams are here to help and verify if it is legitimate.’
An Post will never send a message containing any links when contacting you about the payment of customs charges.
Also, within a few days of receiving an An Post customs SMS or email, you will receive an official An Post postcard detailing your customs charges (a customs charge notification card to which specific Terms & Conditions apply).
You will need your track & trace number and reference number, which were provided in the SMS/email or by bringing your reference details to any post office.
If you are ever in doubt about scam messages, there is further information on the An Post security page to help you identify legitimate and scam messages.
