Australia Post has rolled out a Counterfeit Detection Tool to identify fake stamps, stamped satchels and prepaid satchels sold online, removing millions of dollars’ worth of fraudulent items from circulation.
The technology provides near real-time analytics and has already detected hundreds of counterfeit products across online marketplaces.
Australia Post General Manager Group Security, Kevin Zuccato, said the rise in fraudulent postage products poses serious risks to both customers and the postal network.
“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,” said Kevin Zuccato, Australia Post General Manager Group Security.
“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.”
Zuccato noted that counterfeit postage undermines local post offices, many of which rely on stamp and satchel sales for business sustainability.
“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,” he said.
Australia Post’s strategy includes working with Australian Border Force to detect and intercept counterfeit postal products entering the country and analysing seized items at a specialised facility to verify features such as watermarks.