Protection from scams

Definition of scams

A scam is a type of fraud when a person tries to deceive you to steal your money or personal details.

Scammers can reach you by phone, email, online or in-person.  

Protect yourself against scams  

There are things you can do to protect yourself against scams.

Stop and check

Stop and check if the person or organisation is genuine before clicking on a link.

Don’t give details or money

Don’t give your personal details or send money if you are not sure if it’s official.

Look for ‘red flags’

There are some things to look out for that may help you identify a scam:

• a lure, such as an offer too good to be true, or a major consequence. Examples of this:
  • ‘Department records have identified that you are eligible for a grant up to $50,000.’
  • ‘The payment of your Redress Application for $X is being withheld and could be withdrawn due to you not confirming your identity.’
• a deadline you need to respond to quickly, creating a sense of urgency and pressure
• a call to action, such as a fake link or process, that requires you to engage with the scammer to resolve the matter
• social media accounts with very few posts or followers
• unusual web addresses or links
• images and graphic design that doesn’t look right
• informal contact through messaging sites including Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram or WeChat.

Reporting a scam

If you think you’ve been scammed, take immediate steps:  

• contact the police assistance line on 131 444
• contact your bank to immediately stop the transaction, if money is involved
• let Services Australia know if you believe your myGov account has been compromised. Email reportascam@servicesaustralia.gov.au.

If the scam relates to our department or our programs, we want to know about it. You can email us at fraud@dss.gov.au.

You can also report scams on the ScamWatch(Opens in a new tab/window) website.

Report a cybercrime, incident or vulnerability on the Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre(Opens in a new tab/window) website.

More information

Visit the ScamWatch(Opens in a new tab/window) website for information on:

• recognising scams
• what to do if you think you’ve been scammed
• recent scam alerts.

Services Australia also offers support about scams and identity theft(Opens in a new tab/window) relating to myGov, Centrelink or Medicare.

Visit the Australian Taxation Office website page for more on scams, cyber safety and identity protection(Opens in a new tab/window).

Support

Contact Lifeline for 24 hours 7 days a week crisis and emotional support on 13 11 14 or online chat(Opens in a new tab/window).