In a major step towards addressing fraudulent postage, Australia Post has implemented a Counterfeit Detection Tool designed to authenticate stamps, stamped satchels, and prepaid satchels sold online.
The tool automatically identifies counterfeit Australia Post postage, supporting near real-time analytics of counterfeit products. To date, the tool has detected hundreds of counterfeit products, removing several million dollars' worth of counterfeit items from online marketplaces.
Australia Post General Manager Group Security, Kevin Zuccato, said the quantity of counterfeit postage in circulation is deeply concerning and those who knowingly produce, sell, or use counterfeit postage risk prosecution.
"Counterfeit postal products aren't new, but we are seeing a significant increase in their circulation. Our new tool allows us to efficiently identify and promptly remove fraudulent products online. Not only are we scanning for counterfeit stamps, but we're also watching for fraudulent stamped satchels and prepaid satchels.
"The message is simple, use fraudulent postage products and it's unlikely your parcel or letter will reach its final destination. The safest way to avoid buying counterfeit products is to purchase stamps and satchels directly from any Post Office across Australia or via the Australia Post Online Shop.
"The Australia Post network is made up of over 4,000 Post Offices of which 2,700 are Licensed Post Offices who operate as their own small business. They rely on Australians buying stamps and satchels from their Post Office so they can continue to deliver for their communities. Buying counterfeit stamps and satchels is a risk to their viability and livelihood so we'd encourage everyone to support your local Post Office by purchasing directly," Mr Zuccato said.
Australia Post's two-pronged approach to counterfeit detection includes working closely with Australian Border Force to detect and intercept Australia Post counterfeit goods entering the country, disrupting illegal activity before it reaches consumers. Once intercepted, counterfeit product is taken to a dedicated Australia Post facility that analyses differences in quality and verifies the presence of security features like watermarks.
