Residents in NSW are being warned of a timely text message scam in which criminals impersonate health officials with COVID-19 results.
The text messages, sent largely to Sydneysiders, attempt to ask recipients for donations or attempt to confirm positive COVID-19 test results.
NSW Health said it was aware of the circulating scam texts, and reassured residents that it would never inform people of their positive test results via text message.
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https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1341501870917873664"NSW Health will never seek donations or notify people of positive COVID-19 results by text message," the department tweeted.
"If you test positive for COVID-19 you will get a phone call from NSW Health as a priority and told what to do next."
However, NSW Health said when it does ring it may be on a private number, so be alert if you are awaiting test results.
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"You might be contacted from a private number so please pick up private calls when waiting to hear back about test results," NSW Health said.
"If you think you have received a scam text, please report it online at https://ift.tt/1DTZ6Jt or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (24/7)."
The number of scams based on COVID-19 premises has skyrocketed during the course of the pandemic.
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Since the outbreak of the virus, government-run agency Scamwatch has received over 5170 reports of scams mentioning coronavirus.
To date, Australians have lost almost $6.3 million to COVID-related scams in 2020.
You can get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel.
Beyond Blue's Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians. Visit the site here or call 1800512348
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