WARNING: New coronavirus scam to watch out for
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a firm warning to residents over a new scam throughout Australia.
The scam impersonates government COVID-19 contact tracing officials.
“We’ve detected a possible COVID-19 case near your neighborhood,” the text reads.
“Check the maps to find out the most dangerous places to avoid tomorrow,” it adds, before prompting the user to click on a URL.
The consumer watchdog's Scamwatch issued the warning on Twitter, saying that if you receive the text message, just delete.
“Beware of the latest COVID-19 themed government impersonation scam,” it wrote.
“If you receive this text, don’t click the link, just delete it.”
Beware of the latest #COVID19 themed government impersonation scam. If you receive this text, don't click the link, just delete it. Not sure if a text is legitimate? Contact the relevant agency using details you’ve sourced yourself or visit the official website via your browser. pic.twitter.com/SoetaiD6Xb
— Scamwatch_gov_au (@Scamwatch_gov) September 23, 2020
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Scamwatch has received over 4,000 COVID-19 related scam reports, including online shopping scams and scams targeting people who want to access their superannuation early.
“Scammers are pretending to be government agencies providing information on COVID-19 through text messages and emails ‘phishing’ for your information,” it warned.
“These contain malicious links and attachments designed to steal your personal and financial information.