Australia Post issues new warning to Facebook Marketplace sellers about sophisticated courier payment scams

Australians selling items online are being warned to watch out for a surge in scams targeting the booming second-hand market. Australia Post has issued a fresh alert about sophisticated fraud aimed at people using platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, as criminals take advantage of the country’s growing online resale activity. Over the past year, Australians have spent a record $18.9 billion on online marketplaces, creating more opportunities for scammers to insert themselves into private sales. The scam usually begins with a buyer showing immediate interest in a listing. Rather than arranging a pick-up or direct payment, the fake buyer sends a link or QR code via Messenger, claiming it leads to an official “Australia Post courier service” to handle payment and delivery. Anyone who clicks the link is redirected to convincing fake websites designed to steal sensitive personal and financial information. Australia Post chief information officer Adam Cartwright said these tactics are becoming increasingly hard to spot, as scammers exploit the convenience and familiarity of digital shipping services. Mr Cartwright warned criminals were falsely claiming the postal service acts as a middleman, collecting money from buyers, transferring it to sellers, and managing delivery. “Be aware that Australia Post does not handle payments for buyers and does not have a courier service associated with Facebook Marketplace,” Mr Cartwright said. The problem is growing, with more than 2500 Australians reporting these specific Facebook Marketplace scams to Australia Post so far this year. To combat the rise in delivery-related fraud, the national carrier is urging people to adopt safer online habits. The official AusPost app remains the most reliable way to track legitimate deliveries, as it uses secure push notifications rather than easily spoofed texts or emails. Australia Post reminded users it will never request passwords, credit card numbers, or bank details over the phone, by text, or via email. If a buyer insists on using a link to “verify” payment or organise a courier, it is almost certainly a scam.