SF Express drops SMS pickup reminders to combat fraud

In a bid to curb rising SMS scams, delivery giant SF Express Hong Kong announced on Monday it will stop sending SMS pickup reminders for parcels, switching exclusively to alerts via its official mobile app, SFHK App.

The move comes as the courier giant reported 4,036 fraud-related cases over the past three years, with 72.7 percent involving SMS scams.

In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the courier received over 800 fraud inquiries and reports - a fourfold increase compared to the same period last year.

It said many scams involved fraudsters impersonating SF Express via fake SMS messages, claiming incomplete delivery addresses or additional fees to trick victims into sharing personal data or making fraudulent transfers.

In view of the situation, SF Express said it has fully transitioned from SMS to in-app notifications after an eight-month trial period that began in August 2023.

Customers must now download the "SFHK App," enable notifications, and register to receive parcel updates. The app also allows users to track shipments, view delivery routes, check sender/receiver details, and access additional services.