An Post warns customers of customs charge scam

Stay safe.

An Post are asking customers to be "scam aware" following the discovery of a phishing scam appearing via An Post text messages. The message reads "Item AY836574839RE is due for delivery in up to 3 working days with a fee of 1.90(EUR). To Pay this visit [link to site]." Clicking on the link brings victims to a site that looks identical to the An Post website, but with a different URL. Customers are then asked to provide card details to "pay" for the non-existent customs charge. A spokesperson for An Post said that "scams and phishing attempts are increasingly becoming a part of all our lives." "We advise customers to always be on the alert and to be scam aware given the increase in scam and phishing attempts involving online shopping, financial institutions, etc. "An Post have been very successful in having many of these scam attempts taken down and we will continue taking on the scammers. But there is no substitute for vigilance and being Scam Aware. "An Post will never send a message containing any links when contacting you about the payment of customs charges. "Within a few days of receiving an An Post customs SMS or email, you will receive an official An Post postcard (a customs charge notification card to which specific Terms & Conditions apply) detailing your customs charges and including instructions on how to pay your outstanding change." Here are An Post's tips on how to remain "scam aware" and avoid being the victim of a phishing attempt:

Tips to avoid scam messages

• If you receive a message about a package, stop and think if you're expecting one.
• Check for any misspellings, unusual links or unfamiliar sender email addresses.
• Watch out for urgent requests requesting immediate action.

An Post will never:

• Call, email or text you asking for your bank account or card details, user ID, PIN number or internet password.
• Charge you a fee to have your parcel redelivered.
• Send messages that contain any links when contacting you about the payment of Customs Charges.

What you should do

• Do not respond to unsolicited messages
• Never click on links in these messages
• Do not give your personal details like name, emails or credit/debit card information