TL;DR: StarTrack is Australia Post's parcel and freight service, and StarTrack is one of Australia Post's registered SMS Sender IDs. Treat texts from unfamiliar numbers as suspect, never pay to release a parcel by link, and report scams to scams@auspost.com.au.
StarTrack handles a large share of business and consumer parcels in Australia, which makes its name a favourite for scam texts. Because StarTrack sits within the Australia Post group, the reporting channels and sender rules overlap, and knowing them lets you check a message quickly.
StarTrack and the Sender ID register
Australia Post says it has registered SMS Sender IDs, including AusPost and StarTrack, on the ACMA SMS Sender ID Register. When you receive a genuine message that uses one of those names, the register is designed to protect it. A text that claims to be StarTrack but arrives from an unfamiliar mobile number, or is flagged as "Unverified", is a clear warning. This is the single most useful check for this scam.
What Australia Post says about payments and passwords
The group states it will never send an email or SMS asking for credit card details or personal information, never ask for your password, never ask you to enter information on a page that is not part of Australia Post, and never call out of the blue to request payment. A StarTrack text asking you to pay a small "redelivery" or "release" fee through a link goes against those points.
How the fake StarTrack text works
- The message claims a parcel could not be delivered or is held at a depot.
- It links to a lookalike site that asks for a fee.
- The page collects card details and then a code from your bank, and may ask you to install a tracking app.
- Follow-up calls may pose as your bank to "protect" you, which is another stage of the scam.
Check a real parcel
Do not use the link. Find the StarTrack or Australia Post tracking number in your order confirmation and enter it on the official tracking page, or use the AusPost app. If nothing is pending, the message is fake. If you are a business customer, use your account portal instead of a text link.
How to report and get help
Send suspicious emails, calls or messages to scams@auspost.com.au (reporting only, no personal reply). Report to Scamwatch and, for cybercrime, ReportCyber. If you shared identity details, iDCare, described by Australia Post as a partner, offers free support on 1800 595 160.
If you paid
Call your bank at once with the number on your card, ask to block the card and dispute the payment, and change passwords for any account you entered on the page.
See the companion Australia Post delivery text scam guide for the postal side of the same fraud, and compare the approach of UK carriers in the Royal Mail delivery text scam guide.
Business customers are targeted too
Because StarTrack is widely used for business freight, scammers also send fake consignment notes, invoices and "delivery failed" emails to small businesses. The same rules apply: do not click, check the consignment on the official tracking page or your account portal, and report to scams@auspost.com.au. A payment request that arrives by email and changes bank details is a separate warning sign and should be confirmed by phone using a number you already trust.
A free digital footprint check shows what a scammer could already find about you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is StarTrack part of Australia Post?
Australia Post lists StarTrack among its registered SMS Sender IDs alongside AusPost, and treats StarTrack messages under the same scam guidance.
How can I tell if a StarTrack text is fake?
Check the sender. Australia Post says AusPost and StarTrack are registered on the ACMA SMS Sender ID Register, so an unfamiliar number or an "Unverified" label is a warning sign.
Where do I report a StarTrack scam?
Email scams@auspost.com.au (a reporting-only mailbox) and report to Scamwatch and ReportCyber.
Will StarTrack ask for payment by text?
Australia Post says it will never send an email or SMS asking for credit card details or personal information, so a text demanding a fee link is not consistent with that.
What if I gave my card details?
Call your bank on the number on your card, block the card, dispute the payment, and change any passwords you entered.