Fake ‘Emergency’ Text Messages Targeting Australian Mobile Phone Users
The original site is no longer online; links go to the Internet Archive copy.
What the fact-checkers found
According to the ACCC’s ScamWatch website, Australian residents have been receiving text messages asking for emergency assistance.
The text messages, which do not come from numbers on your contact list, request your help and ask you to call back immediately due to an emergency. The messages do not give details about the supposed emergency.
People who have called back report hearing an abusive recorded message. The motive of those sending the false emergency messages is currently unclear.
ScamWatch notes :
People who have called the number back report being verbally abused by a recording on the other end. This is a new and emerging issue. While people have not yet reported losing money as a result of these calls, you may find the content of the recording distressing.
If you receive one of these messages, do not respond.
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