Welcome back to our Scam of the Week series! This week, we’re shining a light on a scam that’s been targeting Canadians by pretending to be Canada Post. If you’ve recently received a text message about a “package delivery issue,” beware — it’s a scam designed to steal your personal and financial information.
The Scam:
A recent example we’ve come across involves a message from the phone number 15147586042. The text reads:
“Canada Post – We ran into an issue with your package delivery. See more details: [link]”
The link appears legitimate at first glance, but if you take a closer look, it leads to a suspicious website: google.com/amp/ca82.info. This is not an official Canada Post domain and is a clear sign that something’s not right.
How This Scam Works:
- The Hook:
The scam begins by creating a sense of urgency — you’re led to believe there’s a problem with your package, something most people wouldn’t want to ignore. - The Link:
Clicking the link takes you to a fraudulent website designed to mimic Canada Post. The page typically asks for personal details such as your name, address, and sometimes even your credit card information to “verify” your delivery. - The Theft:
Once you’ve entered your details, scammers can use your information for identity theft, unauthorized purchases, or other malicious purposes.
How to Spot Similar Scams:
- Check the sender’s number: Legitimate texts from Canada Post will come from their official short code or a recognizable sender name, not a random phone number.
- Examine the link: Always hover over or tap and hold a link (without clicking) to preview it. If the URL looks suspicious or unfamiliar, do not click.
- Look for grammar and formatting errors: Scammers often use awkward phrasing or incorrect punctuation, unlike legitimate companies.
- Ask yourself if you’re expecting a package: If you’re not, it’s likely a scam.
What to Do if You Receive This Message:
- Do not click the link.
- Delete the message immediately.
- Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
- Alert your friends and family to be aware of similar messages.
Final Thoughts:
As online shopping continues to grow, so do scams targeting unsuspecting consumers. Always be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages about deliveries or payments. When in doubt, visit the official website of the organization directly or contact their customer service to verify the legitimacy of any message.
Stay safe and scam-free! If you’ve encountered a scam you think we should cover, let us know, and we may feature it in an upcoming post.
Check out last week’s Scam of the Week:
Phishing Email Scam Threatening Blackmail – Scammers are sending emails claiming they have sensitive information and demanding payment. Learn how to spot this scam and keep your information safe!
