How to spot a spam message or account impersonating Emirates Post - here are four signs you should look out for

Dubai: Have you recently received an alert, claiming to be from Emirates Post, for a package waiting to be delivered? The message may state that at all you need to do is pay a small shipment amount for it to be delivered. But before you click on a link to pay the amount, wait to make sure you are not being targeted by a phishing attack.

In a series of awareness posts recently, Emirates Post has been educating UAE residents on the need to stay vigilant and always confirm if a message is, in fact, from the postal service provider. As part of the awareness campaign, Emirates Post provided four signs that are a dead giveaway that a message is fraudulent.

Four signs to spot a fake message or fraud

Accounts impersontaing Emirates Post come in many forms, such as emails, SMS and WhatsApp messages with payment links, according to the Emirates Post website.

If you ever encounter these spam messgaes, here is how you can protect yourself and report them.

1. Double check the complete email address

Pay attention to the email address. Hackers will use domains that are similar to or resemble the brand they are trying to target. Also, by tapping on the sender’s address name, you will be able to view the complete email address of the sender. The domain name, which follows the ‘@’ in the email address will show where the email is actually coming from.

Ignore and report an email with a payment link

According to Emirates Post, you should not entertain any email claiming that there is a shipment ready for delivery with a payment link. Emirates Post said that it will never contact a client via any server that is not official.

As per Emirates Post, their email addresses end with '@emiratespost.ae', '@emiratesposthop.ae', or one of the following: 
- noreply@emiratespost.ae
- custservice@emiratespost.ae
- mailer@emiratespostshop.ae
- mail@emiratespostshop.ae
- digital@emiratespost.ae
- auto-mail@emiratespostshop.aest.ae

2. Look at the number in case of a Whatsapp message

If you have received an alert though Whatsapp, it is important to check the phone number and not just view the display picture, which may show an official logo. Emirates Post informed users that if a customer does receive a WhatsApp message, it will never be from a private mobile number. A Whatsapp message from Emirates Post is sent through a verified WhatsApp account, which is identified by a green check mark.

3. Ignore payment links on Whatsapp and SMS

According to Emirates Post, their WhatsApp account allows customers to track shipments or message a customer service representative. It is never used for transactions. Payment for a shipment or parcel is made through the official website - emiratespost.ae, or the mobile application ‘Emirates Post’, which is available on Apple and Android devices.

The text messages are sent from the EMIRATEPOST registered account.

4. Be careful on e-commerce websites

Emirates Post also warned that when making transactions on online platforms, scammers often pretend as mediators between the buyer and the seller via a fraudulent Emirates Post link, asking for personal and bank details.

How do I report fake emails and messages to Emirates Post?

If you receive a suspicious WhatsApp message, text or email claiming to be from Emirates Post, you can send a screenshot to custservice@emiratespost.ae or call the toll free number 600 599 99.

To know more about how you can spot a phishing attack, read our detailed guide here.

How do I report online fraud?

In the UAE, people can report illegal online activities through the following platforms:

1. Al Ameen Service by Dubai Police

• Toll free: 800 4444
• SMS: 4444
• Whatsapp: 050 856 6657
• Outside UAE: 971 800 4444
• Email: alameen@alameen.gov.ae

2. Abu Dhabi Police

• Call the toll free number – 8002626
• Text message on 2828
• E-mail aman@adpolice.gov.ae