According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "phishing" is a general term for emails, text messages and websites fabricated and sent by criminals and designed to look like they come from well-known and trusted businesses, financial institutions and government agencies in an attempt to collect personal, financial and sensitive information. It's also known as brand spoofing. Content of a phishing email or text message is intended to trigger a quick reaction asking consumers to "update", "validate", or "confirm" information. Often, the message or website includes official-looking logos and other identifying information from government, financial institutions and online payment services. The phishing attempts often create a sense of urgency by baiting with a possible reward or threating with financial loss. In reality, it is a malicious attempt to collect customer information for the purpose of committing fraud.

We see phishing emails being circulated from time to time that appear to be from Canada Post. For example, an email might inform a customer that Canada Post tried to deliver a package and asks the customer to select a link or visit a Post Office to arrange delivery. This is NOT from Canada Post and should be deleted. When Canada Post makes a delivery attempt, we leave a delivery notice card at your door or in your mailbox. We do not contact you by email unless you have requested it.

• Unless you have requested email notification, delete it immediately. When Canada Post makes a delivery attempt, we leave a delivery notice card at your door or in your mailbox. We do not contact you by email unless you have requested it.
• Do not click the links within the email as they may contain malicious viruses. Always obtain accurate and current delivery status of a parcel from our website, using our tracking tool.
• Check the sender's email address. Often times, the sender's email does not match the name of the company they claim to represent.
• Canada Post does not send unsolicited emails requesting personal information such as credit card numbers, account or invoice numbers, address and or passwords.

Here is an example below

No, you don't need to report this type of suspicious email to us. If you think you've been the victim of fraud, report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501.

Visit Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to learn tips to protect yourself. You can also learn more on phishing by visiting the Public Safety website.

Report the incident to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501.