PHLPost warns about scam text messages posing as the post office
Got a link in your inbox from the Philippine Postal Corporation? Be sure not to click it, as the postal service has issued a warning over scam messages using its name to lure people into clicking fraudulent links.
In a press release, the agency has urged the public to stay vigilant as they noted how scammers typically send text messages containing suspicious links, claiming that there has been an issue with the delivery of a parcel because of an incomplete address or that an immediate "redelivery fee" must be paid using a credit or debit card.
"PHLPost strongly emphasized that these messages do not come from the postal service. The agency does not ask for sensitive information such as bank account details, card information, passwords, or One-Time Passwords through text messages," the company stressed.
"The public is therefore advised to never click suspicious links, share personal or banking information, or make online payments through unverified websites. Recipients should always check the source and authenticity of a message before taking any action," they added.
According to them, you should only use the official PHLPost website and authorized communication channels for legitimate parcel tracking and verification.
If you encounter these suspicious messages, you can report them to the company by contacting their customer service at (02) 8288-7678 or 8288-POST, or through their email at phlpostcares@phlpost.gov.ph. You can also message their PHLPost Inspectorate Department at isd@phlpost.gov.ph.
"PHLPost urges everyone to remain alert and vigilant when receiving text messages, social media posts, emails, and other online communications," they said.
If you think you're a victim of scams, you may call Hotline 1326, the main hotline of the Inter-Agency Response Center, which is available 24/7 and offers assistance for a range of scam cases, including investment fraud, phishing, text and email scams, caller ID spoofing, romance scams, and other online threats.
Scam victims can also easily report incidents through the eGov app, which offers a dedicated platform for users to submit suspicious links and have them investigated.