A fraudulent SMS message, purportedly from India Post, is circulating among fraudsters who are targeting unsuspecting users. The deceptive message claims to inform users that their package has reached the warehouse and an immediate address update is required to avoid the package being returned. The fake message also includes a link which users are advised not to open as they may lose money. Hundreds of users affected by this scam have reported on X (formerly Twitter).

Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check, a trusted government authority, has called this message a scam. They have asked people on social media to be alert, stressing that India Post never sends such messages for address updates for package delivery.

“Have you also received an SMS from @IndiaPostOffice stating that your package has reached the warehouse, and asking you to update your address details within 48 hours to avoid package being returned? #PIBFactCheck Beware! This message is #Fake,” reads a post shared by PIB Fact Check on X.

What is included in fake SMS?

The text message usually reads: “Your package has arrived at the warehouse and we attempted delivery twice but couldn’t because the address information is incomplete. Please update your address within 48 hours, otherwise the package will be returned. Click the link (indisposegvs.top/IN) to update the address. After the update is complete, the package will be redelivered within 24 hours.”

This message exploits users’ trust in postal services and attempts to entice them to provide personal information by clicking on a malicious link. Such scams are designed to steal sensitive data or install harmful software on the user’s device.

How to protect yourself from SMS fraud

-Always check the sender’s information. Official messages from organisations like India Post usually come from recognised and verified sources.

-Do not click on any links received from unknown or suspicious SMS. These may redirect you to malicious websites designed to steal your information.

-If in doubt, contact the organization directly through their official customer service channels. Use the contact information from their official website, not from a message you received.

-Any suspicious messages should be reported to the relevant authorities or services like PIB Fact Check. This helps prevent others from becoming victims.

-Users are advised to keep their devices protected with updated security software that can detect and block malicious links and applications. It is always better to double-check the authenticity of unexpected messages and exercise caution online.