In an era where the cost of living is soaring and every dollar counts, Australians are understandably looking for financial relief.
Centrelink, the government service responsible for delivering social security payments, is a lifeline for many, especially those relying on pensions or other support. However, with the promise of aid comes the risk of deception, and Services Australia has issued a stern warning.
Services Australia has warned against scams promising fictitious ‘one-off’ $1,200 cost-of-living payments.
One woman, Kate, recently inquired about accessing this supposed ‘one-off’ payment, only to learn from Services Australia that she had encountered one of several fraudulent claims circulating online.
The agency has responded: ‘We haven’t announced any additional ‘one-off’, ‘bonus’, or ‘cost of living’ payments.’
The deception doesn’t stop at false promises. Scammers have set up elaborate traps, with websites that appear legitimate at first glance. They target millions, particularly retirees, who most need financial support.
But there’s a simple rule to remember: if the website URL (Uniform Resource Locator) doesn’t end in ‘.gov.au’, then it isn’t an official government website and could be a scam.
‘We’ll always let you know on our official social media accounts and website when there are changes to any of our payments or services,’ the agency added.
The National Anti-Scam Centre has also warned that clicking links from these fake sites or social media posts can lead to trouble. Scammers are cunning, often starting with requests for seemingly innocuous information like your name or email address.
But this is just the beginning of their ploy to extract personal details and, ultimately, to defraud you. They may even resort to intimidation, threatening immediate arrest, deportation, or other legal action if you don’t comply.
However, it’s crucial to remember that legitimate government organisations will never send texts or emails with links to log onto services like myGov.
Scammers may also impersonate reputable government entities or utilise familiar brands like myGov, Service Australia, Centrelink, or the Australian Taxation Office to earn your trust.
The agency added: ‘Sometimes scammers claim to be from international government organisations, such as in Chinese Authority scams.’
What red flags have you noticed in suspicious online communications? What strategies do you find most effective in protecting yourself from online fraud? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below to help others stay informed and safe.
Also read: Thousands of Centrelink recipients are getting groceries for free, ‘no questions asked’—find out how
