An Post warns customers to be wary of scams ahead of Black Friday

An Post is warning consumers to be wary of scams in the lead-up to Black Friday. 

The warning has been issued to arm customers with knowledge about what to expect when completing transactions, particularly ahead of Black Friday on November 25. 

An Post reportedly no longer includes any payment links in texts or emails so that customers can be clear about what is a genuine message and what is not, and when they are shopping online or corresponding about orders or deliveries. 

A member of the Mails & Parcels customer team,  Julie Gill, said, "Seeking out gifts for family and friends is an important part of the build up to Christmas and we want customers to feel as secure as possible so they can enjoy shopping online and steer clear of the scammers. 

"An Post will never ask a customer to pay charges or provide payment information through a link in a text or email. Customers should never ever click on any link asking for payment for delivery [or] customs charge. Such fees should only ever be checked and paid directly through anpost.com or at any local post office." 

If customers do receive a text or email they're unsure about, An Post has created a handy check list available to customers at anpost.com.

The guide has also been delivered nationwide. 

For customers buying online to send internationally, An Post reminds customers to send early and also watch out for the last dates of posting to ensure gifts are received on time. 

The last dates for posting parcels to USA and International destinations is December 7th, Europe is December 13, Great Britain is December 19 and Northern Ireland is December 20, and posting within Ireland is December 22.

Different dates for posting letters can be found here or at your local post office.