Have you received a text message from an unknown number saying your parcel is ready for delivery with a link to what seems like the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) website? Don't give away your personal information and bank details, the agency said.
Dr. Rogelio Almocera Casa shared his experience in a viral Facebook post, which has been shared 51,000 times in two days. The latest text scam comes as Filipinos heavily rely on online purchases and deliveries during the pandemic.
"There's a new modus circulating nowadays wherein you will receive a certain text message telling you that your parcel is ready for delivery. I received this message last Friday, and I hope that everyone who reads this post will learn from this encounter," he said.
Casa said he received a text saying he has a parcel for delivery with a link to a page containing a delivery tracking code. When you click "track item", it will show that your package was held at the depot and you need to pay a customs fee of P56.
You will then be asked to schedule for a delivery and will be asked to choose if you want it delivered or collected at a drop-off point. A prompt will say the drop-off option would be impossible because "the parcel is already at the depot", leaving you with no choice but to pick the delivery option.
At this point, Casa pointed out the suspicious website link. "Although wala naman ako ine-expect na deliveries, sabi ko 'yung URL pa lang kasi mukhang hindi siya legit," he told reportr.
It will then lead you to other suspicious websites like www.dealsnowz.com and www.savview.com, where you will be asked to input your shipping information and credit card details.
"I asked the Philippine Postal Corporation and they have no legit transactions like this. Again, look at the website. This should serve as a lesson to everyone. Maging mapanuri!" he warned netizens.
Spammers impersonate legitimate or trustworthy sources. In this PHLPost scam, the aim is to "phish" or steal confidential information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card information, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said.
"Please DO NOT GIVE or DISCLOSE any personal information to anonymous and unofficial websites or messages you receive online or via email," PHLPost said in a separate Facebook post in April.
It also released guidelines on what to do in case you have a parcel at PHLPost:
How to report it
PHLPost's Customer Service Office warned against text messages or emails claiming to be from their office, saying scams like this one has been going on since March. Victims come from all over the Philippines, office supervisor Dominador Gravides said.
He said victims of this scam can call the PHLPost Inspectorate Service at 8527-0146 or 8527-0127 during office hours to file a complaint. PHLPost may also be reached at 8527-0111 and 827-0107.
Victims may also report these incidents to the DICT via these channels:
Facebook: ww.facebook.com/Ncertgovph
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0921-494-2917 (Smart) / 0956-154-2042 (Globe)
Landline: 8920-0101 loc. 1708
