Cruel scammers are targeting vulnerable Australians by offering bogus Centrelink “cost of living bonus payments” of $890.
Services Australia has warned that Australians will have their personal data stolen if they fall victim to any of a number of fake websites.
The websites are appearing online and on social media accounts and are being shared by unsuspecting residents who think the offer is genuine.
Typically, websites offer what they claim is a one-off “Centrelink cash assistance payment” or a “bonus payment” to help.with the cost of living” at the end of October.
Services Australia warned that the scammers’ real aim was to steal personal information used to access the government services hub website, myGov.
‘They offer different amounts of money, including $750 and $1,800. “These payments do not exist,” Services Australia said.
‘You may know this as clickbait. Clickbait is often misleading and designed to attract attention.’
Cruel scammers target vulnerable Australians offering fake $890 Centrelink ‘cost of living bonus payments’
Some websites claim the payment is made for other reasons, including helping retirees, low-income people, people with disabilities and job seekers.
To claim payment, the websites offer a tool for people to “check their eligibility status” by entering their personal details.
This allows scammers to break into their victims’ myGov account and block them.
Services Australia warned there were multiple scams claiming to be Centrelink programmes.
Another involves scammers posing as Services Australia staff and calling people demanding they pay a debt urgently.
Scammers tell victims they will be arrested and will not pay immediately via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
Australians are urged to hang up immediately if anyone contacts them making these claims.
Services Australia warned that scammers are trying to steal personal information to access the myGov web portal
A sure way to spot fake websites is if the URL does not end in ‘.gov.au’.
“The only genuine Services Australia and myGov websites are servicesaustralia.gov.au and my.gov.au,” a Services Australia spokesperson said.
‘We will always inform you when there are changes to any of our payments or services.
“We will inform you on our official website and official social media channels.”