URGENT WARNING issued over new scam impersonating COVID contact tracers

A warning has been given to citizens by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) about a new scam impersonating government COVID-19 contact tracking officials.

“We’ve detected a possible COVID-19 case near your neighborhood,” the text reads.

“Check the maps to find out the most dangerous places to avoid tomorrow,” it adds, before prompting the user to click on a URL.

Beware of the latest #COVID19 themed government impersonation scam. If you receive this text, don't click the link, just delete it. Not sure if a text is legitimate? Contact the relevant agency using details you’ve sourced yourself or visit the official website via your browser. pic.twitter.com/SoetaiD6Xb

— Scamwatch_gov_au (@Scamwatch_gov) September 23, 2020

Scamwatch, the consumer watchdog, released the warning on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.

“Beware of the latest COVID-19 themed government impersonation scam,” it wrote.

“If you receive this text, don’t click the link, just delete it.”

Using information collected from official websites, anyone who is uncertain whether a text is legitimate is advised to contact the appropriate agency.