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

Canada Post Scam - How to Protect Yourself
Canada Post Scam - How to Protect Yourself

If you received a text or email claiming to be from Canada Post asking you to click a link, update your address, or pay a small fee, it is a scam. Canada Post does not send unsolicited text messages or emails demanding personal details or payments for package deliveries.

Common Variations of the Scam

  • The "Incomplete Address" Text: A text states that your package cannot be delivered due to an "address mismatch" or "incomplete address". It asks you to click a link to fix it.
  • The "Unpaid Fee/Customs" Fee: An email or text claims you owe a small fee (usually between $0.99 and $3.00) for customs duties or delivery rescheduling before they can hand over your parcel.
  • The "Recorded Robocall": A fake phone call uses an automated voice claiming you have multiple pending packages and prompts you to "Press 1" to speak to a fraudulent representative.

Dead Giveaways It is Fake

  • Suspicious Links: The URL does not lead to the official Canada Post Website. It often contains weird extensions, text strings, or third-party links (like Telegram shortcuts).
  • Urgent Demands: The message threatens that your package will be sent back immediately if you do not pay or update information right away.
  • Generic Greetings: Messages start with "Dear Customer" instead of using your real name.
  • Spelling and Grammar: Sentences often contain unnatural phrasing, typos, or odd capitalization.

What You Should Do Instead

  • Check the real status: Safely check your package status by manually copying and pasting your tracking number directly into the Canada Post Tracking Tool. Never rely on links inside messages.
  • Report the message: Forward scam texts to the shortcode 7726 (which spells SPAM) so your mobile provider can block them.
  • Delete it: If you did not sign up for specific delivery notifications via your official online account, delete the message instantly.

Did You Already Click or Pay?

  1. Contact Your Bank immediately: If you typed in credit card or banking information, call your financial institution to freeze your cards and dispute any fraudulent charges.
  2. Alert Credit Agencies: Contact Equifax or TransUnion to place a fraud alert on your credit profile.
  3. Report the Fraud: File an official report online with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or call them at 1-888-495-8501.
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