Police agencies in Australia are warning residents about text messages that have been sent to thousands there threatening death if they don't cough up $5,000.

Police in New South Wales, Queensland, and elsewhere said they don't believe the messages pose a genuine threat and advise recipients to delete them.

"Please understand that this is a scam, a very ugly attempt by fraudsters overseas to get your money," Det. Supt. Brian Hay of the Queensland Police Service said in a video statement.

Police released an example of the message: "Sum1 paid me to kill you. Get spared, 48hrs to pay $5000. If you inform the police or anybody, death is promised."

The text directs the recipient to contact them via e-mail.

It's unknown how many people have been duped, however investigators said tens of thousands of Australians have received the messages and police have been flooded with complaints.

Police continue to investigate.