To protect Pakistanis from potential scams and fraudulent activities, the National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has issued a cybersecurity advisory regarding the rise of fake delivery package scams. According to the alert, these scams involve sending fake SMS messages that appear to be from courier companies such as FedEx, Leopard, TCS, and Pakistan Post.
These messages ask recipients to update their addresses by clicking on a suspicious link, which can lead to malware installation or identity theft. NCERT explains that these scams typically begin with an SMS pretending to be from a legitimate delivery company, often including a tracking number to make the message seem authentic. The message creates a sense of urgency by claiming there is a problem with the delivery address, prompting the recipient to click the link to resolve the issue.
Clicking the link leads to a fake website that mimics an official courier service portal, designed to collect personal information. Sometimes, clicking the link will download malware onto the user’s device. Scammers use these tactics because they know many people are expecting deliveries, and the familiar branding and urgent tone make the scam more believable.
NCERT advises users to avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages, verify the sender’s phone number or email address, and be cautious when opening messages from unknown sources, especially if they contain errors. Users should visit official websites directly and hover over links to check their destination before clicking.
Moreover, Pakistan Post has issued a warning urging customers to be cautious when tracking parcels. The national postal service emphasizes the importance of using only its official website, http://ep.gov.pk/, for tracking purposes, due to the proliferation of fake online tracking platforms.
