Save
Coronavirus SMS scam warning
While the public grapples with health concerns around coronavirus, Scamwatch has raised the alarm about a new text scam doing the rounds that isn’t doing anything to help.
Coronavirus SMS scam warning
While the public grapples with health concerns around coronavirus, Scamwatch has raised the alarm about a new text scam doing the rounds that isn’t doing anything to help.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch has published a tweet warning Australians not to click on links in suspicious texts that claim to be from the Australian government.
The screenshot accompanying the warning shows a text message, reportedly from “GOV” that says: “You’ve received a new message regarding the COVID-19 safetyline symptoms and when to get tested in your geographical area” and is accompanied by a link.
According to Scamwatch, the scam text “tries to trick you into installing software that will steal your banking credentials”.
If you do receive this text message, don’t click on the link.
Instead, report the SMS to the ACCC and Scamwatch team here.
About the author
About the author
Scams
Navigating online money-making: Scams to avoid
In an era where the click of a button can lead to monetary gain, the internet has become a bustling marketplace for those looking to supplement their income. However, where there is opportunity, there ...Read more
Scams
Cyber criminals using interest rates as bait to trick customers
If you’ve ever found yourself on the receiving end of a suspicious phone call, e-mail or text message claiming to be from a major bank and demanding your details, you’re not alone – and experts are ...Read more
Scams
ATO cracks down on $850m GST fake business fraud
A nationwide crackdown on incidents of fraud involving the creation of fake businesses to scam GST refunds from the federal government has led to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) firmly warning ...Read more
Scams
Crackdown sees more than half a billion scam calls blocked
Initiatives by telcos and the ACMA have also led to a 95 per cent reduction in reports of mobile porting fraud. Read more
Scams
Be wary when applying for a TFN or ABN, ATO warns
The tax office said that scams involving TFN and ABN applications are on the rise in the lead up to tax time. Read more
Scams
Westpac will now automatically block scam purchases
The bank said it would block suspect transactions from overseas online retailers that are considered high-risk of being a scam. Read more
Scams
ACCC issues warning after spike in money recovery scams
Aussies who have previously lost money to scams are at risk of being targeted again. Read more
Scams
Over 2m Aussies fall victim to scams and fraud
One in nine people suffered card fraud, scams or another form of personal fraud during the last financial year. Read more
Scams
Navigating online money-making: Scams to avoid
In an era where the click of a button can lead to monetary gain, the internet has become a bustling marketplace for those looking to supplement their income. However, where there is opportunity, there ...Read more
Scams
Cyber criminals using interest rates as bait to trick customers
If you’ve ever found yourself on the receiving end of a suspicious phone call, e-mail or text message claiming to be from a major bank and demanding your details, you’re not alone – and experts are ...Read more
Scams
ATO cracks down on $850m GST fake business fraud
A nationwide crackdown on incidents of fraud involving the creation of fake businesses to scam GST refunds from the federal government has led to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) firmly warning ...Read more
Scams
Crackdown sees more than half a billion scam calls blocked
Initiatives by telcos and the ACMA have also led to a 95 per cent reduction in reports of mobile porting fraud. Read more
Scams
Be wary when applying for a TFN or ABN, ATO warns
The tax office said that scams involving TFN and ABN applications are on the rise in the lead up to tax time. Read more
Scams
Westpac will now automatically block scam purchases
The bank said it would block suspect transactions from overseas online retailers that are considered high-risk of being a scam. Read more
Scams
ACCC issues warning after spike in money recovery scams
Aussies who have previously lost money to scams are at risk of being targeted again. Read more
Scams
Over 2m Aussies fall victim to scams and fraud
One in nine people suffered card fraud, scams or another form of personal fraud during the last financial year. Read more