Australia Post Issues Urgent Warning Over Facebook Marketplace Scams
Facebook Marketplace users across Australia are being urged to exercise extreme caution as a surge in sophisticated scams impersonating Australia Post targets unsuspecting sellers. According to the postal service, fraudsters are contacting genuine sellers on the platform, sending deceptive links or QR codes that redirect to counterfeit Australia Post websites.
How the Scam Operates
In these schemes, scammers initiate contact with individuals listing items for sale on Facebook Marketplace. They typically claim that the provided link or QR code will facilitate payment and item collection through Australia Post. However, these fake websites are designed solely to harvest victims' personal and financial details, including names, phone numbers, and credit card information.
Adam Cartwright, Chief Information Officer at Australia Post, highlighted that scammers are exploiting the popularity of online marketplaces. "They capitalise on trusted platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where users may let their guard down," he explained. Cartwright noted that while similar fraud was previously common on Gumtree, it has now migrated to the more widely used Facebook Marketplace due to its larger user base.
Red Flags and Warning Signs
Key indicators of these scams include requests for unusual payment methods, a tactic often flagged by ScamWatch. Cartwright emphasised that Australia Post does not handle payments for private sales or offer courier services linked to Facebook Marketplace. "We will never send you a link or QR code asking for credit card details to receive money. If a buyer provides such a link, it is unequivocally a scam," he stated.
Additional warning signs involve scammers introducing a sense of urgency, such as claiming imminent travel plans, to pressure victims into hasty decisions. Australia Post advises users to only access its services through official channels like its app or website to avoid falling prey to these fraudulent schemes.
Impact and Response
The financial toll of scams in Australia is staggering, with losses reaching $2.18 billion in 2025, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre's Targeting Scams Report. Investment scams, payment re-direction scams, romance scams, phishing, and remote access scams ranked as the top five types. In response, Australia Post has taken proactive measures, removing approximately 600 fake websites in the last quarter alone.
Victims who encounter these scams on Facebook Marketplace are encouraged to report them directly to Australia Post or ScamWatch. By staying informed and vigilant, users can help protect themselves and others from becoming targets of these increasingly prevalent online frauds.
