Is this delivery text from Australia Post a scam?
Fake parcel-delivery notices are one of the most common scams in Australia, and Australia Post is among the most impersonated couriers. A delivery notice, text or email that looks like it's from Australia Post can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real Australia Post message from a fake.
Genuine Australia Post links only ever go to auspost.com.au. Below is exactly what a real Australia Post message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real Australia Post message looks like
Genuine SMS from Australia Post typically arrive under the sender ID AusPost or AUPOST, and real links only ever go to auspost.com.au.
- Genuine SMS arrive under the sender ID 'AusPost' or 'AUPOST', not from a random +61 4xx mobile number
- Real tracking links go to auspost.com.au — Australia Post does not use shortened or lookalike domains
- Australia Post never asks you to pay a fee by SMS or email to release, redirect or redeliver a parcel
- Genuine missed-delivery notices direct you to a post office or the AusPost app — they never ask for card details
- A real tracking number works when you type it into auspost.com.au or the AusPost app yourself
Crucially, Australia Post will never ask you to pay a small 'redelivery', 'customs' or 'handling' fee through a link in a text message.
Common Australia Post scams
- Missed-delivery texts claiming your parcel 'could not be delivered', linking to a page that charges a small redelivery fee (typically $1–$3) purely to capture your full card details
- Fake customs or shipping-fee demands claiming a parcel is being held until you pay
- Phishing tracking pages styled to look exactly like auspost.com.au that harvest card numbers and personal details
- Scam waves timed to peak shopping periods like Christmas and major sales, when most Australians are expecting a parcel
Red flags to watch for
- Any SMS asking you to pay a redelivery or release fee — Australia Post never charges fees through SMS links
- Links to lookalike domains in the style of 'auspost-redelivery.com' or 'auspost-track.net' instead of auspost.com.au
- Messages sent from a mobile or overseas number rather than the AusPost sender ID
- Artificial urgency such as 'your parcel will be returned within 24 hours' to rush you into clicking
- Requests for card details, date of birth or driver licence number to 'verify' a delivery
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Australia Post, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
AusPost: Your parcel AU7301992 could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. To avoid return to sender, confirm your details and pay the $2.99 redelivery fee within 24hrs: auspost-redelivery.com
What gives it away:
- Any SMS asking you to pay a redelivery or release fee — Australia Post never charges fees through SMS links
- Links to lookalike domains in the style of 'auspost-redelivery.com' or 'auspost-track.net' instead of auspost.com.au
- Messages sent from a mobile or overseas number rather than the AusPost sender ID
- Artificial urgency such as 'your parcel will be returned within 24 hours' to rush you into clicking
- Requests for card details, date of birth or driver licence number to 'verify' a delivery
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Australia Post text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Australia Post
- Track any parcel by typing auspost.com.au into your browser or using the official AusPost app
- Visit your local post office with photo ID to ask about or collect a parcel
- Use the help and support section on auspost.com.au to contact Australia Post directly
Where to report a scam impersonating Australia Post
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Australia Post? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
Does Australia Post send text messages about deliveries?
Yes — Australia Post sends genuine delivery SMS, usually under the sender ID 'AusPost'. The difference is what they ask: real messages let you track or redirect a parcel through auspost.com.au or the AusPost app, and never ask you to pay a fee or enter card details from a link.
I got a text asking me to pay a small redelivery fee. Is it a scam?
Yes. Australia Post never charges redelivery or release fees via SMS links. The small dollar amount is bait — the real goal is your full card details, which scammers then use for much larger charges.
How do I check whether a parcel text is real?
Don't tap the link. Open the AusPost app or type auspost.com.au into your browser and enter the tracking number yourself. If the number isn't recognised, or you aren't expecting a parcel at all, delete the message and report it to Scamwatch.
I clicked the link and entered my card details. What should I do?
Contact your bank immediately to block the card and dispute any charges. Report the scam to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and keep the original message as evidence. If you also entered identity documents such as a licence number, contact IDCARE for free identity support.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Australia Post usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other courier names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Australia Post through an official channel.