Health text scam warning
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My usually computer-savvy relative was sleep deprived just got his identity stolen and bank details by a scam from someone claiming to be the health department. I know that my ME fatigue/ health stuff would make me more likely to fall for this as well so I thought I'd let people here know.
Here's a td;lr for anyone who doesn't have the energy for reading through the links:
Someone's sending texts claiming to be the health department, the current scam says you're a close contact and need to book a test from the included link. The link looks like a government website and asks you for personal details and bank details.
Do not click on the link.
If you have already clicked on the link, you can go to IdCare.org for help.Here's extra links to information:
Details of the scam: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/text-message-scam-for-free-covid-19-test-kit
Government page for identity theft: https://moneysmart.gov.au/banking/identity-theftIf anyone knows of other resources please please tell me so I can pass them on to my relative so he can get this over with and have a nap.
Take care and wish us luck. -
@Rainbow-Zebra thanks for letting us know. How awful for your relative
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@emsarah yes it's not fun... we're really lucky that there are services out there but I did want to hopefully save someone else the trouble while I could. Especially since he's normally pretty good with this stuff, they just happened to get him while he was tired.
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@Rainbow-Zebra really appreciate that you did. It is one of those scams that looks way more legit than those Amazon package type ones. And like they say in the info you gave, sometimes Medicare will text you (and your local health authority do with positive Covid results) but of course it would be without a link. Crossing my fingers those services can all help.
