Almost three-quarters of Australians targeted by package and delivery scams

Shipping or package delivery scams are now the most common in Australia, with some victims losing more than $20,000 from them, new research has found.

A survey commissioned by Australia Post showed nearly 75 per cent of respondents had received fake delivery or package scam messages, while 27 per cent admitted they had fallen victim to a scam.

A small number (5 per cent) had lost more than $20,000 to scammers.

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The most common scams reported included delivery and packages; overdue tolls; winning a prize, money or holidays; banking matters and telecommunications.

Alarmingly, the research also revealed more than 80 per cent of Australians are receiving between one to 10 scam texts and calls every week. Sixteen or more scam emails were sent to 15 per cent of respondents.

In the wake of the findings, Australia Post is urging people to protect themselves as scams continue to increase and become more convincing.

More than half of those surveyed revealed they had initially believed a fake delivery message was legitimate and pursued it before realising the content was fraudulent.

Australia Post's group chief executive Paul Graham said: "Australians are losing billions of dollars to scams each year. Scam attempts are becoming more sophisticated, frequent and increasingly harder to detect and our latest research reveals that most of us have already been targeted.

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"With many people being bombarded with fake texts, emails and calls the best way for customers to stay safe from scams is by using the free AusPost app, which tracks deliveries securely."

Australia Post reminds customers it will never call, text or email you asking for personal or financial information including password, credit card details or account information.

It says it will never call, text or email you to request payment.

The corporation also warns scammers may reference other delivery company names, both real and fictitious.

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