The Australian Communications and Media Authority is warning consumers about SMS messages that are being sent to Australians making death threats or suggesting that they have won a competition or prize. This follows an increase in reports to the ACMA’s Spam SMS service.
The messages often ask recipients to click links to websites or contact international phone numbers or suspicious email addresses in order to claim their prize or pay an amount of money.
Consumers should be aware that these messages are not genuine. You should not respond to the messages, click links in them, or call and/or email in response. The best approach is to ignore the messages; report them to the ACMA by forwarding them to the ACMA’s Spam SMS service on 0429 999 888 and delete them.
Examples of the messages reported to the ACMA are:
- You are Australia's winner. Your number has been chosen to receive a free gift. Go to [website] to claim it today..
- The Entry You Made Last Month May Have WON! Go to [website] to claim the prize. You have 24hrs to claim. Reply STOP to Optout.
- Your mobile# has Won ?1,000,000 Pounds in Nokia Free Lotto Promo. Ref NK672. For claims Email your Name, Mobile to: [email] tel: [phone number]
- Sum1 paid me to kill you. get spared, 48hrs to pay $5000. If you inform the police or anybody, death is promised... E-mail me now: [email address]
For more information, please contact: Blake Murdoch on (02) 9334 7817, 0411 504 687 or media@acma.gov.au.
