Under the “SMS Sender Registration Scheme”(the “Scheme”) introduced by the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), registered users are using "Registered SMS Sender IDs" with prefix "#" to send SMS to help members of the public verify the identities of the senders. Having registered under the Scheme, Hongkong Post will only use “#HKPost” to send SMS to local subscribers of mobile services starting from today.
Relevant information can be seen in “List of Registered Senders” maintained by OFCA. For details, please visit OFCA website www.ofca.gov.hk.
1. Check the Email Address of the sender
Emails of Hongkong Post are sent via the following official domains :-
While phishing emails may use addresses with keywords like hongkongpost, hkpo, gov, and etc., such as hongkongpost@xmail.com or posthk@post.hk, it is impossible for them to use the above official domains of Hongkong Post.
2. Check the URL of the embedded link
All websites of Hongkong Post are hosted on the following official domains :-
Although the fraudulent websites may copy the designs and contents from those of Hongkong Post, their URL addresses such as “www.hongkongpost.cc” or “www.hongkongpost.hk.com” or “posthongkong.info” are only imitations of the official domains of Hongkong Post. These websites are not affiliated with Hongkong Post.
3. Check the Item Number
Message with item number that cannot be verified on the official website of Hongkong Post (www.hongkongpost.hk) should be considered a phishing message.
Below are some screenshot examples of reported fraudulent websites / social media pages that the public should stay alert to:
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Below are some screenshot examples of reported phishing email and SMS message that the public should stay alert to:
Such messages claim that a mail item has been detained by the customs authority or pending for delivery, and that a link is embedded to request for a payment so that arrangement could be made for the delivery of the item. Please note that request for payment to any customs duties in arrears, if applicable, would be made by the customs authority of destination to the recipient directly and this would not be processed by Hongkong Post.
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Those messages claim that arrangement has to be made for the redelivery of a parcel due to incorrect recipient’s address or that a parcel is pending for delivery, thus requesting for confirmation or provision of the correct recipient’s address by clicking the link embedded which connects to a fraudulent website. Please note that Hongkong Post only delivers mail items according to the addresses indicated. If a mail item is undeliverable due to incorrect recipient’s address, Hongkong Post will return the item to the sender. If the item does not bear the sender’s address, it will then be processed according to the established procedures. Hongkong Post will not ask recipients to confirm or provide their delivery addresses, or solicit their personal information through email, social media or SMS.
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A photo of a packet is attached to the following message, asking for confirmation of the packet’s ownership. Please note that Hongkong Post will only deliver mail items according to the addresses indicated and will not send any photos to recipients or senders for confirmation of the items’ ownership.
Such fraudulent websites impersonating those of Hongkong Post invite participation in online lucky draw through pop-up windows, and request participants to provide personal and/or credit card information to win a prize. Please note that Hongkong Post has not conducted any lucky draw at the moment.
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If you receive any suspicious SMS messages or emails, please take the following actions: