The Hunter's police chief has labelled a scam text message aimed at taking advantage of concern about coronavirus as "disgusting behaviour".
The message from a sender under the name "GOV" says there is new information regarding COVID-19 symptoms and offers details on "when to get tested in your geographical area", followed by a link.
According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, clicking on the link gives the scammer access to bank details.
"I want to remind the community to be vigilant and aware that unfortunately there are those out there who will seek to benefit from this [coronavirus] situation," said Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, the NSW Police Northern Region commander.
"This is disgusting behaviour and I would strongly advise anyone who becomes aware of it happening to contact the ACCC's Scamwatch. Any report of criminal activity will be thoroughly investigated."
Scamwatch has received reports of various scams off the back of the coronavirus outbreak, with messages and calls coming from con artists pretending to be from the World Health Organisation, travel agencies, government authorities and telecommunication companies.
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