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INVISIBLE ENEMY

Warning over coronavirus scam texts claiming you must go into isolation

A HOAX message is duping Americans into thinking they’ve been exposed to coronavirus.

The alarming scam text spreading across the US falsely claims that “someone who came in contact with you tested positive or has shown symptoms for .”

Police are warning Americans about a hoax COVID-19 message
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Police are warning Americans about a hoax COVID-19 messageCredit: Thomaston Police Department/Facebook
The distressing text claims the receiver has been exposed to coronavirus
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The distressing text claims the receiver has been exposed to coronavirusCredit: AFP - Getty

The fraudulent notification claims the person “recommends you self-isolate/get tested” and includes a link to a fake website.

A police department in Thomaston, warned of the threat this week, saying the message is not official, and is a phishing scam – an attempt to steal a person’s personal information.

“If you receive a text message like the one pictured below, DO NOT click the link! It is not a message from any official agency,” the police department said on .

At least 34,700 people in the US have died from the killer virus
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At least 34,700 people in the US have died from the killer virus

“It is however a gateway for bad actors to find their way into your world. The virus is not the only invisible enemy. Be vigilant against all threats!”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned that seniors are being targeted by phishing scams amid the coronavirus pandemic, with fake messages urging them to take an online COVD-19 text in order to receive the government stimulus payment.

Americans are urged to be vigilant when it comes to texts, emails or other messages purporting to be from a government department.

to try and make a buck off the pandemic.

The troubling scam comes as a new model predicts the US could see a surge in coronavirus cases if state lockdowns are eased too soon – despite Donald Trump's plans to reopen some states.

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) released a model on Thursday that depicts the spread of the killer virus using data from China, Italy, South Korea and the US.

At least 34,700 people in the US have died from the killer virus while more than 679,700 have been infected.

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