Check your mailbox: This weird 'gift' could be a clever scam targeting you!
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As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it's not just the digital world where weneed to stay vigilant against scams; our very own letterboxes can become the frontline in the battle against fraud.
Recently, an unsettling incident in Sydney prompted health authorities to issue an urgent scam warning to residents, highlighting the need for caution when unexpected 'gifts' arrive at our doorsteps.
A Sydney woman's routine trip to her letterbox took a bizarre turn when she discovered an object wrapped in cloth accompanied by a note.
The message on the note was peculiar, to say the least, offering 'A hand-crafted gift and personal remedial therapy for you and your family' and signed off with 'compliments of Our Father'.
It purported to be from the NSW Health Services Incentive and even included phone numbers and an email address, alongside a religious affiliation.
The woman's instincts told her something was amiss. She wisely chose to handle the package with gloves, fearing its contents could be harmful or even poisonous.
Her concern led her to seek advice from the online community, questioning the legitimacy of this so-called gift and whether it was part of a nefarious scheme.
‘Attached is a note around remedial therapy, contact details for NSW Health and a religious sign off,’ she said.
'I hesitate to call the number provided or email as it could be some info collecting scam. I'm wondering if anyone has received anything similar or knows what it is? I have thrown it away, but I'm curious to know what it is all about.'
Her caution was met with support from fellow Aussies, who shared her suspicions and commended her for disposing of the parcel, which she described as a 'hard orange thing'.
The consensus was clear: ‘It reeks of a scam’.
NSW Health swiftly responded to the incident, confirming that these 'cards and packages' were fraudulent and not sent out by them.
'NSW Health is aware that cards and packages have been placed in letterboxes in some homes in Sydney falsely claiming to be a “gift” and “remedial therapy” from NSW Health,' they stated.
‘NSW Health will never leave “gifts” in your letterbox.'
The matter has been reported to the police, but it serves as a stark reminder that scams can come in many forms and from any direction—even our own letterboxes.
Have you or someone you know encountered a similar situation? How did you deal with it? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
Recently, an unsettling incident in Sydney prompted health authorities to issue an urgent scam warning to residents, highlighting the need for caution when unexpected 'gifts' arrive at our doorsteps.
A Sydney woman's routine trip to her letterbox took a bizarre turn when she discovered an object wrapped in cloth accompanied by a note.
The message on the note was peculiar, to say the least, offering 'A hand-crafted gift and personal remedial therapy for you and your family' and signed off with 'compliments of Our Father'.
It purported to be from the NSW Health Services Incentive and even included phone numbers and an email address, alongside a religious affiliation.
A Sydney woman received a ‘gift’, which purported to be from NSW Health Services. Credit: u/adrienne12345678910 / Reddit
The woman's instincts told her something was amiss. She wisely chose to handle the package with gloves, fearing its contents could be harmful or even poisonous.
Her concern led her to seek advice from the online community, questioning the legitimacy of this so-called gift and whether it was part of a nefarious scheme.
‘Attached is a note around remedial therapy, contact details for NSW Health and a religious sign off,’ she said.
'I hesitate to call the number provided or email as it could be some info collecting scam. I'm wondering if anyone has received anything similar or knows what it is? I have thrown it away, but I'm curious to know what it is all about.'
Her caution was met with support from fellow Aussies, who shared her suspicions and commended her for disposing of the parcel, which she described as a 'hard orange thing'.
The consensus was clear: ‘It reeks of a scam’.
'NSW Health is aware that cards and packages have been placed in letterboxes in some homes in Sydney falsely claiming to be a “gift” and “remedial therapy” from NSW Health,' they stated.
‘NSW Health will never leave “gifts” in your letterbox.'
The matter has been reported to the police, but it serves as a stark reminder that scams can come in many forms and from any direction—even our own letterboxes.
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