Scams misusing Department of Social Services branding and programs

Each year between April and July we receive increased reporting about fraudulent emails and social media posts offering payments administered by us. 

Scams may involve:

• unsolicited phone calls, emails or social media messages offering payments linked to real or fake DSS programs
• impersonation of DSS‑funded service providers or DSS staff
• fake websites resembling a DSS website.

Scammers may use fake websites to collect personal information or request payments. In some instances, they install malware designed to steal passwords or monitor computer activity. 

We do not contact people out of the blue to request personal information or upfront payments.

We encourage you to be alert to these warning signs. Make sure you verify any unexpected contact, and never:

• share myGov details
• share identity documents or financial information
• pay fees via gift cards, cryptocurrency or bank transfer.

Learn more about protection from scams and how to report them.

More information

Report Department of Social Services related scams to us. Email fraud@dss.gov.au.

Visit the ScamWatch website to find out how to stop and avoid scams(Opens in a new tab/window).

Visit the National Anti-Scam Centre(Opens in a new tab/window).