Age pension freeze? Centrelink exposes the truth behind the fake warnings

In recent weeks, a wave of misinformation has swept across the internet, targeting retirees who rely on Centrelink payments. 

Scammers are spreading false reports that pensioners must submit updated identity and financial documents by a specific deadline or risk having their payments suspended or cancelled. These messages often come with official-sounding language and urgent calls to action, making them seem all the more convincing.

If you’ve recently seen alarming headlines or social media posts warning that your Centrelink Age Pension payments could be frozen unless you urgently update your personal or financial details, take a deep breath—and don’t panic. 

However, Services Australia, the government agency responsible for Centrelink, has confirmed these false claims. 

‘There are fake reports about changes to identity and document requirements,’ the agency said in a recent statement. 

‘Some unofficial websites say your payment might stop unless you reconfirm your identity or provide documents. This is not true.’

These scams typically appear as clickbait articles or posts on social media, sometimes even mimicking the look and feel of official government websites. 

They may claim there are new eligibility or verification processes for pensioners, or that failing to comply will result in fines, debts, or the loss of your pension. 

The real aim is to trick you into handing over personal information such as your bank details, tax file number (TFN), or myGov login credentials.

Once scammers have this information, they can commit identity theft, access your accounts, or even steal your hard-earned savings. It’s a cruel trick, especially when so many Australians already feel the pinch from rising living costs.

Unfortunately, these scams are big business. According to Scamwatch, Australians lost $119 million to scams in the first four months of 2025 alone. 

While the number of scam reports has dropped, the amount lost to phishing scams, where criminals try to trick you into giving up personal information, has nearly tripled compared to last year.

It’s not just Centrelink recipients who are being targeted. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has also warned of similar scams, with fake websites claiming there are changes to superannuation rules. 

ATO deputy commissioner Emma Rosenzweig called it ‘classic fake news’.

‘Think twice before acting on information heard from third-party sources, including non-official websites or on social media,’ she said.

So, how can you stay safe? Here are some simple steps:

• Check the source: Only trust information from official government websites. If a website doesn’t end in .gov.au, it’s not an official site.
• Don’t click suspicious links: If you receive an email, text, or social media message asking for personal information, don’t click any links or provide details.
• Go direct: If unsure, go directly to the official Services Australia or myGov website.
• Be wary of urgent requests: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency. Take your time and double-check before acting.
• Keep your details private: Never share your TFN, myGov login, or banking details with anyone unless you’re sure they’re legitimate.

If you think a scam has targeted you, or if you’ve accidentally shared your details, contact Services Australia immediately. You can also report scams to Scamwatch and get advice on what to do next.

Have you or someone you know been targeted by a Centrelink or government-related scam? What steps do you take to protect yourself online? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your story could help someone else avoid becoming a victim.

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