In response to fraudsters increasingly sending fake messages under the guise of Austrian Post, the operator is highlighting the dangers of phishing with the #10daysagainstphishing campaign, together with the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), to raise public awareness.
“The security of our customers is our top priority,” explained Peter Umundum, member of the management board for parcel and logistics at Österreichische Post AG. “Especially as the leading logistics service provider in Austria, we want to raise awareness of the dangers of phishing and protect our customers in the best possible way.
“Particular caution is required when entering personal data. We also recommend using online services and receiving options exclusively via the personal PostAccount. If you are unsure whether it is a fraudulent message or not, it is worth checking the consignment number in the official shipment tracking system of Austrian Post – in the Post app or on the Post website.”
Recommendations for protection against fraud
Austrian Post has outlined several considerations when protecting yourself from phishing attacks:
- Be careful when entering access data, payment and address information;
- Only use online services and reception options via your PostAccount;
- Make changes (e.g. username, email address, password) directly via the Post app or the post.at website;
- Check payment requests by email by checking the consignment and order numbers;
- Do not be fooled by fake websites or emails in the Austrian Post design, and pay attention to the web address or email address. Austrian Post only uses the ending post.at;
- Use a secure password (at least 10 characters, consisting of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters) or use a password manager;
- Change the password regularly;
- Pay attention to unknown processes in the PostAccount. This is best done in the Post app (e.g. items are displayed that have not been ordered); and
- Ask the sender if only the ‘cash on delivery’ shipping method is offered.
Other things to consider are whether a parcel expected; making sure the email or text message is definitely from Austrian post; checking the shipment number is correct – in the Post app or at https://www.post.at/en/s/track-and-trace-search; and looking for spelling or grammatical errors, false logos and cryptic sender details. If the customer is unsure, Austrian Post advises contacting their customer service.