THE Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) on Sunday warned the public against fraudulent text messages that misuse its name and identity to steal personal and sensitive financial information, a scheme known as ‘smishing.’
The state-run postal service said scammers typically send text messages containing suspicious links, claiming that a parcel cannot be delivered due to an incomplete address or that an immediate ‘redelivery fee’ must be settled using a credit or debit card.
PHLPost stressed that these messages do not come from the agency, noting that it does not ask for sensitive information-such as bank account details, card information, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs)-through text messages.
Given this, the postal service advised the public to never click suspicious links, share personal or banking information, or make online payments through unverified websites.
Recipients should verify the source and authenticity of any message before taking action, it added.
For legitimate parcel tracking and verification, PHLPost encouraged the public to use only its official website and authorized communication channels.
Suspicious messages or activities may be reported to PHLPost Customer Service at (02) 8288-7678 or 8288-POST, or via email at phlpostcares@phlpost.gov.ph. Reports may also be sent to the PHLPost Inspectorate Department at isd@phlpost.gov.ph.
The agency urged everyone to remain alert and vigilant when receiving text messages, social media posts, emails, and other online communications, as fraudsters continue to exploit the names of legitimate institutions to victimize unsuspecting consumers.