‘Avoid handling the package’: Warning over strange ‘gift’ in mailboxes claiming to be from NSW Health

Australians have been warned to be cautious of a strange “gift” being left in letterboxes in a new scam.

A warning has been issued over strange “gifts” being placed in letterboxes claiming to be from NSW Health.

The health department issued the warning over social media on Monday, urging people to be cautious of scammers.

“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,” the department wrote on social media.

A warning has been issued over ‘gifts" being placed in mailboxes claiming to be from NSW Health. Picture: Supplied

The cards and packages falsely claim to be ‘gifts’ or ‘remedial therapy’. Picture: Supplied

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park on Tuesday said the health body would “never communicate with people or patients in this way”.

“We won’t be putting gifts in a letter box for people, that’s not the way NSW Health does business,” Mr Park said at a press conference on Tuesday morning.

“We know that NSW Health is a very trusted organisation and we are very concerned that these letters are appearing in people’s mailboxes.”

Initial advice was to dispose of the “gifts” immediately; however NSW Police has urged people to instead contact police if they receive one of the packages.

“The public is advised that if they receive an item of this nature, they should avoid handling the package and contact police immediately,” a spokesperson said.

“Members of the public coming into contact with these items should wash their hands thoroughly.”

An investigation is under way as police urge anyone with information to come forward.

Originally published as ‘Avoid handling the package’: Warning over strange ‘gift’ in mailboxes claiming to be from NSW Health