Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Purolator Text Scam - How to Protect Yourself
Purolator Text Scam - How to Protect Yourself

If you received a text message claiming to be from Purolator about a package delivery issue, do not click any links—it is a phishing scam. Scammers are sending widespread, fake delivery alerts to trick people into giving up their credit card details or personal information.

Common Phishing Tactics

  • The "Invalid Address" Trap: The text claims your parcel cannot be delivered due to an "invalid postal code" or "incomplete address".
  • Urgent Action Required: It pressures you to update details within 24 to 48 hours, threatening that the package will be "returned to sender".
  • Fee Demands: It asks you to click a link to pay a small "processing fee" or "fine" to schedule a new delivery time.
  • Image Texts: Scammers sometimes send the message as a picture/photo text to bypass your smartphone’s automatic spam and security filters.

Sample of a Phishing Text

Purolator Text Scam

How to Tell It is Fake

  • Check the URL: The link in the text will look suspicious (e.g., puroletor.com-simoqd.shop or shortened links) rather than directing to the official Purolator Website.
  • Look at the Sender: Real Purolator notifications typically come from a short 5-digit code, while scams generally use standard 10-digit U.S., Canadian, or international cell phone numbers.
  • No PIN Number: Legitimate Purolator notifications include a specific 12-digit tracking PIN. If the text forces you to click a link just to see your tracking information, it is a scam.
  • Policy on Payments: Purolator will never ask for credit card, banking, or account information via text message.

What to Do Next

  1. Do Not Reply: Responding confirms your phone number is active, which will lead to even more scam messages.
  2. Track Independently: If you are actually expecting a package, navigate directly to the official Purolator Tracking Tool and manually type in your tracking number.
  3. Report and Delete: Block the number and use your phone's built-in "Report Junk" or "Report Spam" option before deleting the text.
  4. Action If Conned: If you clicked the link and entered financial information, contact your bank immediately to freeze your cards. You can also report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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