Detective Superintendent Gayle Hogan of the State Organised Crime Unit said as many as 20 restaurant owners, grocers and doctors have received death threats via a telephone call or SMS mesage since June 2, demanding they pay up or die.

The threats tell the victim: `I am about to kill you' unless they contact an email address or visit a website and are part of an SMS and phone call campaign designed to con targets out of personal details, cash and passwords.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) warned Australians earlier this month of the sinister scams, although it appears overseas scammers are now targeting Brisbane business owners within the Chinese community.

Police from the Asian Specialist Crime Unit are investigating the complaints as part of Operation Bionic and are examining links between the phone calls and text messages.

"The offenders ring and make demands for large amounts of money. Some attempt to explain why they need the money, but all end with them threatening very serious harm if the money is not paid," Superintendent Hogan said.

In addition to the phone calls, police have received complaints from six Queenslanders who have received text messages containing death threats.

The messages and phonecalls are intended to frighten recipients into providing money, credit card details and personal information to the scammer.

"No one in Queensland that we are aware of has sent any money to these offenders and we hope this remains the case," Superintendent Hogan said.

It is understood the death threats read: `I am about to kill you. If you want to live, contact (email address) to get information on what you will have to do to live. If you ignore this message, you will die!"

Superintendent Hogan asked anyone who has received a death threat via text message or phone call to report it to police.

"We are taking these complaints very seriously and while we understand receiving a threat like this can be very distressing, it is important you contact us and report the matter," she said.

Police advise:

- If you receive a threat on your phone, hang up immediately.

- Never disclose any personal details, including bank account details, PIN numbers, account names, numbers or passport details, to a person calling or texting you.

- Never send money or make payments to a person you don't know.

- Contact your local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you are targeted with a threatening phone call or text message.

Source: Brisbane Times