COVIDSafe app users are warned about new email scam telling Australians they've been fined for leaving home
- Hoax email demands COVIDSafe app users pay fine for leaving their home
- The scam has been sent under the guise of a My Gov account to some app users
- Recipients were warned to ignore the message and immediately delete email
- More than 3 million people have downloaded app since launch earlier this week
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
COVIDSafe app users have been warned to ignore a new email scam that demands users pay a fine for leaving their home.
The bogus email has been circulating under the guise of a My Gov account and demands reparation from users for unnecessarily breaching the COVID-19 restriction.
'We would like to inform you that you have been recorded as leaving your home on three occasions yesterday,' the email reads.
'A fine of $10 has been added to your my.gov account.'
COVIDSafe app users have been warned to ignore a new email scam that demands users pay a fine for leaving their home (stock image)
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch has since tweeted of the hoax (pictured) and urged users to immediately delete the email
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch has since tweeted of the hoax and urged users to immediately delete the email.
'Don't be fooled by this COVIDSafe alert email impersonating myGov. It's a scam. Don't click on the links, just delete the email.'
The COVIDSafe app uses Bluetooth technology to track users who come in close contact with people who have tested positive to coronavirus.
More than 3 million Australians have already downloaded the app since its launch on Monday.
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Though within that short time frame, Scamwatch has counted more than a thousand coronavirus-related scam reports.
'Scamwatch urges everyone to be cautious and remain alert to coronavirus-related scams. Scammers are hoping that you have let your guard down,' Scamwatch said.
'Do not provide your personal, banking or superannuation details to strangers who have approached you.
'Scammers may pretend to have a connection with you. So it's important to stop and check, even when you are approached by what you think is a trusted organisation.'
A hoax Facebook post was made earlier in the week and claimed the federal government was tracking user movements through text message.
A hoax Facebook post (pictured) was made earlier in the week and claimed the federal government was tracking user movements through text message
'Please register your reason for travel by calling 1300 1MY GOV) within 15 minutes of receiving this SMS. Thank you,' the message ended.
The post's caption said: 'So this is the real reason they want the corona app (sic) out to control us.'
Eight copies of the post were viewed more than 250,000 times before Facebook superimposed a message it was 'false information' - having been checked by AAP FactCheck and other fact-checkers.
The Australian Federal Police told AAP FactCheck via email they were investigating the message.
'The AFP is aware of an alleged hoax involving the COVIDSafe app and is currently investigating the matter,' the email said.
The Department of Health, which maintains the app, told AAP FactCheck the Facebook post was 'a hoax message' and that it was 'abhorrent scammers would attempt to use the COVIDSafe app, a public health tool, to try and catch out Australians'.
'The COVIDsafe app doesn't have any geolocation capability, it does not track your location, only the proximity of your phone to other people's phones that have downloaded the app and cannot monitor a person's location at any time,' a department spokesman said.
