Oz police probing text message 'threatening death unless $5000 paid'

Sydney, July 23 (ANI): Police across several Australian states has warned citizens about a text message that threatens death unless 5000 dollars is paid.

"Sum1 paid me to kill you. get spared, 48hrs to pay $5000. If you inform the police or anybody, death is promised...E-mail me now killerking246@yahoo.com,' the text reads.

New South Wales Police said the text, which was sent to 'a large number of people,' does not pose a genuine threat.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, the police said they were investigating the source of the text.

South Australian Police has asked people to delete the message and not to pay any money.

"Please delete the message, DO NOT pay any money, there is no need to be alarmed," the police said.

According to the report, Queensland Police also said that 'it is important that members of the public are not alarmed and understand that such communications are distributed on mass and are not specifically targeting the individual.' (ANI)