Age Pension changes? Centrelink says scammers are on the hunt—here’s what to know

In an age where information is just a click away, it’s never been more critical to double-check what you read online, especially when it comes to your hard-earned retirement income. 

This week, Services Australia (the government body behind Centrelink) has issued an urgent warning to all Australians, particularly those on the Age Pension, about a wave of misinformation and scams circulating online. 

You’re not alone if you’ve seen headlines or social media posts claiming otherwise. Scammers and clickbait websites are increasingly targeting older Australians with false claims about new rules, bonus payments, or urgent requirements.

Services Australia has made it clear: ‘There are no changes to eligibility for Age Pension, and no changes to document verification for pensioners.’

If you’re worried you might have missed something, rest assured—any real changes to Centrelink payments or services will always be announced directly by Services Australia through official channels.

Unfortunately, scammers are becoming more sophisticated. They create websites almost identical to official government sites, with logos and familiar colours. 

The goal? To trick you into believing you need to act fast, to claim a supposed ‘bonus’ payment or avoid a made-up penalty.

Some of the tactics they use include:

• Fake news about Age Pension changes: Claims of new eligibility rules, document requirements, or ‘one-off’ payments of up to $4,100.
• Threats of penalties: Warnings that your payments will be cancelled or fined if you don’t comply.
• Impersonating government websites: Using official URLs but don’t end in ‘.gov.au’.

Services Australia’s general manager, Hank Jongen, explained that many of these sites are designed to lure people in with sensational headlines.

‘Their main purpose is likely gaining advertising revenue through website traffic, rather than phishing for personal information,’ he said.

How to spot a scam

It can be hard to tell the difference between a real government website and a fake one, but there are a few simple checks you can do:

• Check the website address (URL): Official Australian government websites always end in ‘.gov.au’. If it doesn’t, it’s not the real deal.
• Look for official announcements: If you see news about changes to Centrelink or Age Pension, verify it by visiting the Services Australia website or calling their official number.
• Be wary of urgent language: Scammers often use phrases like ‘act now’, ‘urgent’, or ‘penalty’ to pressure you into making a quick decision.

It’s not just Centrelink payments in the firing line. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has also warned about scams claiming there are changes to superannuation rules, such as the age at which you can access your super or new withdrawal conditions. These are also false.

Emma Rosenzweig, ATO deputy commissioner for superannuation, reminded everyone: ‘Always consider the source of information you see, and if in doubt, go to trusted sources such as the ATO website, your super fund website, your registered tax agent or licensed financial adviser.’

Have you seen suspicious websites or received strange messages about your Age Pension or super? Share your experiences in the comments below—your story could help others avoid these scams.

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