The ACMA has warned of a number of hoax death threat SMS messages being sent to Australian mobile phone numbers.
The unsolicited SMS messages threatenthe recipient with death if they ignore the message:
"I am about to kill you. If you wantto live, contact [xxx@xxx.com] to get information on what you will haveto do to live. If you ignore this message, you will die!"
The ACMA has confirmed that the hoax messages are originating froman overseas location and recipients are urged to ignore the messages. Replying to spam text messages and emails is one way in which scammers can verify the validity of personal information. This verified information may also be used
in identity theft.
‘Undoubtedly, a member of the public may be distressed to receive such a message, but they should not be alarmed,’ said Chris Chapman, Chairman of the ACMA. ‘These threats are a particularly nasty type of scam. The messages should simply be ignored – they are intended to frighten recipients into providing money, credit card details and personal information to the scammer. If you receive messages of this type, report them to the ACMA.’
Spam can be reported to the ACMA via their website at
www.spam.acma.gov.au
or by calling 1300 855 180.
