Hoaxer tells soldiers' families they're dead

A cruel hoaxer is targeting the families of Australian soldiers fighting in Afghanistan with news that their loved ones have been killed or wounded.

Australian soldiers serving in Afghanistan. (AAP)

A cruel hoaxer is targeting the families of Australian soldiers fighting in Afghanistan with news that their loved ones have been killed or wounded.

Australian Defence Force spokeswoman Sue Taylor told the NT News that "the matter has been referred to the civilian authorities".

It is believed the callers are identifying the soldiers through photos posted on social networks like Facebook.

Darwin Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Matt Pearse said that the ADF is providing support for the families affected by the hoax calls.