Scammers are taking advantage of the rising cost of living in Australia. The Services Australia agency has warned about fake websites claiming Centrelink recipients can get a $600 “cash bonus”. This is a scam targeting those in need.
Hank Jongen, the Services Australia general manager, said these scam sites are spreading on social media. They promise fake cost-of-living support, aiming at pensioners, low-income earners, and people with disabilities. The scams offer amounts like $750 or $1,800.
These scams are a big worry, as Australians have lost over $134 million to scams in 2023. Jongen stressed that Services Australia never advertises payments on third-party sites. They only contact recipients through official channels, like their secure online portal or direct messages.
Summary At a Glance
- Scammers are using fake websites and social media ads to promote a non-existent $600 “cost-of-living cash bonus” from Centrelink.
- These scams often feature inflated amounts like $750 or $1,800 to target vulnerable Australians, including pensioners, low-income earners, and those with disabilities.
- Australians have already lost over $134 million to scams in 2023, with phishing scams being the third-highest loss category.
- Services Australia warns that they never advertise payments on third-party sites and only notify recipients through official channels.
- Verifying the legitimacy of any offers and communications before providing personal information is critical to avoid falling victim to these scams.
$600 Cost-of-Living Cash Bonus Scam Alert: What You Need to Know
How Scammers Target Vulnerable Australians
As the cost-of-living crisis hits hard, scammers are taking advantage. They’re setting up fake websites and social media posts about a “$600 cost-of-living cash bonus.” They’re targeting those who need help the most, like pensioners and job seekers.
They promise quick financial help, like grocery vouchers or utility bill relief. But their real goal is to steal your personal info, like MyGov credentials. Services Australia says this $600 bonus is a scam and warns everyone to be careful.
Scamwatch reports that Aussies lost over $134 million to scams in 2023. Phishing scams are a big problem. The government is spending $580.3 million to make MyGov safer, focusing on protecting the most vulnerable.
“Scammers are increasingly targeting vulnerable Australians with fake offers like the $600 cost-of-living cash bonus, affecting groups such as pensioners, low-income earners, people with disabilities, and job seekers.”
Scam activity is on the rise, leading to thousands of MyGov accounts being suspended each month. Services Australia is urging people to use MyGov passkeys for extra security. Over 20,000 users have started using them in just one week.
The government is providing real help, like the $600 Carer Supplement. But it’s important to only trust official sources. Stay alert and don’t fall for scams during tough times.
Official Services Australia Response and Warning Signs
Services Australia warns about a rise in scams targeting Australians. They say real Centrelink sites end in ‘.gov.au’. Official sites are servicesaustralia.gov.au and my.gov.au. Any other site is probably a scam.
Scammers use attractive images and headlines to trick people. They might use fake calculators to steal your info. Services Australia never asks for personal details through unofficial channels.
The agency is working hard to close down scam sites. But scammers keep making new ones, using AI. They ask everyone to stay alert and report any scams.
| Benefit | Current Rate | Increase from 20 March 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Single Pension | $952.70 per fortnight | $18.10 per week |
| Couple Pension (combined) | $1,435.60 per fortnight | $27.20 per week |
| Pension Supplement (single) | $77.20 per fortnight | $1.50 per week |
| Pension Supplement (couple) | $115.80 per fortnight | $2.20 per week |
The government is also making MyGov safer. This is the main way to get to Centrelink and other services. They’re serious about stopping financial scams in Australia.
“Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and we’re committed to staying one step ahead to protect the vulnerable members of our community.”
– Services Australia spokesperson
Protecting Your MyGov Account from Financial Scams
Keeping your MyGov account safe is key to protecting your personal info and getting government help. Services Australia has put $580.3 million into making MyGov more secure over four years. They’ve also set aside $50 million for security upgrades.
MyGov now has three types of passkeys to keep your account safe: biometric, device-based, and physical security keys. In the first week, over 20,000 users started using these passkeys. Services Australia also recommends using a verbal password for extra security.
Even with these steps, thousands of MyGov accounts get suspended each month because of suspected hacks. This shows how important it is to stay alert and keep your account secure. By doing so, you can protect your personal info and get the financial support you need.
