PTT warns: Fraudsters are at your door!

PTT AŞ has issued a warning against those committing fraud disguised as delivery personnel. In the statement, which noted that fraudsters go to citizens' homes to deliver mail or cargo and have them sign a document confirming receipt of the shipment, it was stated: "They also use the signed documents in many areas, such as selling assets registered to the person."

PTT AŞ warned citizens about individuals attempting to commit fraud while disguised as mail delivery personnel.

In a statement made by PTT AŞ, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, it was reported that various fraud attempts are being carried out using the company's name.

COMPANY NAME AND LOGO

Pointing out that it has been determined that attempts are being made to seize bank and credit card information as well as personal data through malicious links in fake SMS and emails sent to citizens' phones using the company's name and logo, the statement included the following: "In the messages, the person who is stated to have a debt is asked to click on the provided link and enter their ID number and vehicle license plate on the screen that opens. Later, a fake debt balance is shown, and payment of the alleged debt via credit card is requested. If the debt is not paid, it is claimed that criminal sanctions will be applied to the individuals."

Drawing attention to another fraud method carried out via SMS and email, where attempts are made to access citizens' bank information under the guise of "cargo shipment tracking," the statement reported that fake cargo messages sent to a person's mobile phone or email include phrases such as "Your package has been returned to the distribution center due to an incorrect address. Please update your address for re-delivery" or "Your package could not be delivered on 24.01.2024 due to non-payment of customs duties."

The statement indicated that when the link in these and similar messages is clicked, users are told they need to update their address information, and a fee is requested under the pretext of shipping the package. It was reported that in the next step, the person is asked to enter their card information, and following these transactions, it has been determined that fraudsters transfer money from citizens' bank accounts to other accounts.

The statement pointed out that a new fraud method has recently emerged, noting: "It has been determined that there are individuals trying to defraud citizens while disguised as PTT AŞ mail delivery personnel. These individuals go to citizens' homes, deliver mail or cargo, and have them sign a document confirming receipt of the shipment. These signed documents consist of official papers such as promissory notes and powers of attorney. They also use these signed documents in many areas, such as selling assets registered to the person."

LEGAL PROCESS INITIATED

The statement emphasized that the company sends SMS messages directly under the PTT name to the mobile phones of recipients expecting cargo, stating: "It should be known that any link or connection address sent outside of website links that do not have the extension 'www.ptt.gov.tr' is not sent by PTT. We kindly request our citizens to be cautious during delivery regarding shipments they are not expecting but which are brought to them, and to report the person or persons suspected of fraud to the competent authorities."

Pointing out that PTT AŞ has taken legal action to prevent fraud attempts, the statement noted the following:

"Our company, in line with our findings and incoming complaints, is doing its part and immediately reporting fake internet addresses determined to be used in fraudulent acts to the National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM) to have them blocked from access. PTT AŞ is also closely following the legal process to ensure that individuals engaged in fraudulent activities receive the necessary punishment. We kindly request citizens to be more careful against these fraud attempts that cause grievances, and when benefiting from our services, not to rely on information from any source other than our company's official website 'www.ptt.gov.tr' and our social media accounts."