• Text message recipients are advised they are a close contact
• Link in text goes to fake order form to get a PCR test kit
• Scammers seek to steal personal and financial information

WA mobile phone users are being urged to ignore scam texts purporting to be from a federal government agency that contain a dodgy link and an offer of free COVID-19 PCR test kits.

Recently the texts have appeared to come from Medicare, but previous messages have pretended to come from Services Australia and myGov.

The message advises the recipient that they are an Omicron close contact and need to order the test kit via the link provided. They are then directed to a fake Australian Government online order form which requires a full name, address, date of birth and banking or credit card details to pay for delivery costs.

WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection has received 20 reports of the scam since late April with one woman reportedly losing $60,000 to this scam as well as a follow-up banking scam.

Services Australia and other agencies do not include links in texts they may send to clients and PCR test kits don’t actually exist.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Gary Newcombe said the texts are attempts by scammers to steal personal and financial information.

“Once scammers have your personal and financial details, they can attempt to access your bank or credit card accounts or steal your identity to apply for credit,” Mr Newcombe said.

“If you have provided these details, we recommend that you contact the relevant agency or your bank using their official contact details and follow their instructions which may involve cancelling accounts or changing passwords.

“If you have paid by credit card, keep an eye on your statement for any strange transactions. You can also dispute the transaction and request a charge-back.

“People should remain vigilant to text scams and never click on links contained in unsolicited text messages which may take you to a fake website or even download spyware onto your device.”

More information about scams is available on the WA ScamNet website where online scam reports can be lodged. Enquiries can be made by email consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au or phone 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / alan.hynd@demirs.wa.gov.au