The coronavirus scam involves a phone call where residents are told they are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The caller informs them they need to self-isolate for seven days and take a test that will be sent to them.
The scammer will then ask for a one-off fee of $50 for the kit and test results.
Murray River Police District Inspector Paul Huggett said the scam could seem believable to many vulnerable people in the community.
‘‘There is no such thing as a COVID home test kit,’’ he said.
‘‘Tests are free at your local health care centre.’’
It’s also tax time, which means cyber criminals are after your money.
People are receiving automated phone calls claiming to be from the Australian Tax Office.
‘‘The scammer says they are from the investigation unit and will ask for the person’s tax file number and personal details,’’ Insp Huggett said.
‘‘Basically they tell them if they don’t do what they want, officers will come out and arrest them.’’
Insp Huggett said no government organisation or bank would make a call asking for people’s personal details.
‘‘It just doesn’t happen,’’ he said.
‘‘Terminate the call immediately.’’
You can also report the scam to ScamWatch.
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