This scam plays on peoples' fears of the current COVID-19 pandemic, with a phone call advising the resident has come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and needs to get tested within the next 72.

The catch is there is a charge of $50 for a testing kit, with credit card details asked for. There is also a warning that penalties apply for not complying.

NSW Police Shoalhaven crime prevention officer Senior Constable Anthony Jory said it is an elaborate scam.

"It plays on peoples' fears of the current COVID-19 pandemic, these scammers the lowest of the low," he said.

Scamwatch has received more than 3600 calls reporting scammers making claims about COVID-19.

So far it's reported that $2.38 million has been syphoned from people's accounts.

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The alleged scam phone call starts with the phone call narrative - "According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This means that you now need to self-isolate for seven days and take a COVID-19 test. You need to be tested within the next 72 hours."

"I do not know of a system that can detect anyone being close to a COVID-19 sufferer apart from the COVID app in which case you will be contacted by a state or territory health official, not some random person giving you a call," Snr Const Jory said.

"Self-isolation is generally for 14 days not seven. Testing is done by health professionals and testing is free."

Snr Const Jory said the scammers go on to try and get credit card numbers and "the best mailing address" so a test kit can be sent out.

"As I always advise, never give any personal details over the phone unless you are 110 per cent sure of the person's bonafides," he said.

"Never give your credit card details over the phone. If something sounds suss it usually is. Hang up on these scammers.

"Don't let them get any of your money or information."

For further information about COVID-19 scams, go to Scamwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au/