INVESTIGATE IT: Batemans Bay’s Senior Constable Tom McAlpin and Senior Constable David Bates look into the SMS scam.
Batemans Bay residents have been targeted in a frightening state-wide scam this week, which sent death threats to their mobile phones.
Some residents raised their concerns on Facebook on Monday morning.
One woman said she had received this message on her mobile:
“Sum1 paid me to kill you. Get spared, 48 hours to pay $5000. If you inform the police or anybody, death is promised...” and left an email address.
“I contacted Batemans Bay Police as this is obviously a scam trying to extort money,” the woman posted.
“Disgusting sickos trying to scare people.”
Batemans Bay Police said this was one of several reports of the scam.
“We have received a number of reports at Batemans Bay Police Station this morning,” Far South Coast crime manager Detective Inspector Kevin McNeil said on Monday.
“These unwanted text messages should be disregarded.”
In a statement released by NSW Police, a large number of people across the state received the same message on Monday morning, prompting a major increase in calls to triple zero, the police assistance line (131 444) and local police stations.
“The origin of the message is under investigation; however, police do not believe it poses a genuine threat,” the statement said.
Anyone who wishes to report a threatening text message should contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.