Hitman scam queries are now being directed to a message from Detective Superintendent Brian Hay as filmed and uploaded to YouTube by Queensland Police. On Twitter, Aussies react to scam operators sending messages, which tell receivers to deposit $5,000 lest they will get killed.

The video clip addresses some of the commonly asked questions on the menacing messages. (You can watch the video below or go here.)

Many Aussies have called Triple 0 Monday morning in order to report receipt of the disturbing message. Police said the message ma have come from outside Australia.

"A similar scam has been documented at www.scamwatch.gov.au and we suggest that people visit the site for further information," said Victorian senior constable Adam West.

"Did you receive an SMS today saying you might be killed unless you "pay up?" Don't worry, a hitman has not been hired to kill you," says the video description.

In a report by news.com.au, a hitman SMS contains the following message:

"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: killerking247@yahoo.com."

As of Monday noon, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's scam watch service has received about a hundred reports.

Here is a screen grab of the hitman text:

On Twitter, Aussies react to scam operators sending messages, which tell receivers to deposit $5,000 lest they will get killed.

On Twitter, Aussies react to scam operators sending messages, which tell receivers to deposit $5,000 lest they will get killed.

"Do not forward the message on and do not respond in any way to the message," Queensland police said in a statement.

Twitter user Felicity Moore says her friend got a hitman message.

"My Perth mate received one this morning. Weird," @FelicityMoore tweets.

In mulling over the situation, a Twitter user raised a question on possibilities.

User ‏@mwyres (Michael Wyres) tweets, "With the publicity re: hitman scam, would this not be the perfect time for someone REALLY wanting to do such a thing to act? #wondering"