NSW Police has called on Twitter users to retweet a message debunking claims ISIS members are knocking on people's doors in the western suburbs of Sydney.
The text messages obtained by BuzzFeed calls for people to circulate in private networks the warning that ISIS members are knocking on doors pretending to be charities and "marking Christian houses".
URGENT: Please pass. This is on to everyone you know - especially those in the Revesby Padstow area as they are doing this right now - TODAY. It just happened to me. There are members if ISIS going door knocking on homes. They greet you with "Salam Alaykom", and then pretend they are trying to collect money for orphans. They come with a black folder and ask you if you want to donate. I have just had one approach me at home just 2 hours ago. Please - do NOT Talk to them or open for them. Call Crime-stoppers or the crime hotline on 1800 333 000 immediately.They are marking Christian houses. Please spread the word (not on Facebook) but via private texting or viber. They are going through the Liverpool area, and just now through the Revesby, Panania, Chipping Norton, Padstow area.' UnquotePls spread the word
Authorities responded to BuzzFeed's request for comment, by posting the message to Twitter calling for people to spread the word.
Pls RT - Don't be fooled by social media myths exploiting the current political climate. #mythbuster
A police spokeswoman said there was "absolutely no basis to the claims" and it was the latest "in a series of messages being circulated" to spread fear in the face of the reported heightened terror threat in Australia.
The heightened 'threat' in Australia has spilled over into a series of violent events in recent weeks.
- An 18-year-old who had been watching ISIS propaganda was shot and killed on Tuesday night after allegedly stabbing two police officers in Melbourne.
- Authorities launched the country's largest ever terror raids last Thursday, allegedly foiling a beheading plot in Sydney's CBD.
- An Australian uniformed sailor accused men of "Middle Eastern appearance" of assaulting him in Sydney's west on Wednesday of this week. The investigation was dropped on Friday.
- Police released images (pictured) of a man who allegedly attended an Islamic school in Sydney armed with a knife, before leaving the premises.
The Prime Minister Tony Abbott has joined police agencies in calling for calm and tolerance towards the Muslim communities in the wake of recent events.