Warning over $150 ‘mystery box’ trend showing unclaimed Australia Post parcels being opened: ‘Concerning’

A brand new ‘thriller field’ TikTok development stemming from the US and making waves in Australia has sparked concern for the security and privateness of Aussie residents.

Whereas ‘unboxing’ movies have been vastly in style on the web for years, the most recent gadgets being opened by Aussie content material creators might have a connection to you or somebody you understand.

Featured in a rising variety of Australian-based movies are ‘thriller packing containers’ containing packages and parcels which can be reportedly ‘unclaimed’ mail that by no means made it to its supposed proprietor. The packages are nonetheless sealed, with labels hooked up that present the names and addresses of the supposed proprietor.

Amongst them is a charging station meant for Craig in Queensland. A motorcycle half for Mark in Tasmania. A backyard hose for Steven in South Australia. New sneakers for Belinda in Western Sydney.

A field of 5 packages is being offered for $50, whereas bigger packing containers price as much as $150.

Some packages have Australia Submit labelling on them, main the postal big to precise critical considerations concerning the thriller packing containers and the small print left on the labels.

“Australia Submit has vital considerations concerning the inclusion of addressed packaging inside these packing containers and confirms we’ve got no connection or affiliation with the thriller field scheme,” a spokesperson instructed Yahoo Information.

“We encourage anybody receiving envelopes or mailer packing containers with handle or private particulars included to eliminate them instantly and securely.

“Australia Submit urges social media creators to take care when making movies of this nature to keep away from revealing buyer handle particulars.”

What occurs to unclaimed mail?

Misplaced or undeliverable mail is an unlucky incidence for AusPost, who deal with round 2.5 billion gadgets yearly.

In some instances, if gadgets are addressed incorrectly or if a label falls off, the parcels are returned to AusPost’s Mail Redistribution Centre, the place they’re opened and catalogued.

After two months, if the homeowners cannot be discovered or no-one has submitted a ‘misplaced mail’ enquiry, the gadgets could also be auctioned for charity.

One of many accredited public sale homes is Theodore Bruce, who say they’ve just lately offered a wide range of designer and luxurious items that got here from unclaimed packages.

These embody:

• Louis Vuitton Purses

• Smartphones, laptops and tablets

• Sneakers and trainers resembling Nike and Yeezy

• Kitchen home equipment together with Thermomix

• Designer sun shades, watches and garments

AusPost stated not like the now-viral mail packing containers, they’d by no means promote ‘thriller’ gadgets, solely merchandise from opened packages that may be checked over earlier than being offered. Additionally they by no means approve any merchandise to be offered in the event that they comprise figuring out markings or labels.

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