'We will always let you know': Government entity issues urgent warning for pensioners
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In today's digital age, even the most complicated transactions can be done remotely through phones and computers.
Yet, new scams pop up every week, targeting vulnerable members of society like seniors.
For those who have received messages about their Centrelink payments, Services Australia has issued a warning to help seniors steer clear of these schemes.
Services Australia declared that there have been no recent changes to Age Pension eligibility.
In the same vein, there have been no changes in the way Centrelink verifies documents.
Services Australia urged everyone, especially seniors, to 'double-check' any submissions.
The warning came after a rise of scams regarding misinformation about Age Pension spreading online.
Scammers have been working overtime to spread misinformation, hoping to take advantage of those who may be feeling anxious about their finances.
As tax season looms closer, this announcement was a timely reminder from Services Australia.
Fake websites posing as Services Australia look almost identical to the real Centrelink page.
These websites come with official-looking logos and government-style language.
Scammers often use urgent headlines to lure people to their sites.
Fake Centrelink websites also promise 'one-off' payments, 'cost of living' bonuses, or threats to cancel payments if customers do not act fast.
However, Services Australia shared a tip for everyone so they could protect themselves from scams.
'If a website URL doesn't end in .gov.au, then it isn't an official government website,' Services Australia stated.
'We will always let you know when there are changes to any of our payments or services.'
Services Australia's General Manager, Hank Jongen, further explained why these scams exist.
'Their main purpose is likely gaining advertising revenue through website traffic, rather than phishing for personal information,' Mr Jongen said.
Centrelink aside, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has also reported a rise in scam attempts.
Fraudsters have been tricking people into 'changes' to superannuation rules, fuelled by people's anxiety over a rocky couple of weeks.
Several scammers have claimed that starting 1 June, super preservation and withdrawal rules are about to change.
'The maximum preservation age (the age when you can access your superannuation savings on retirement) is 60 for anyone born from 1 July 1964,' Emma Rosenzweig, ATO deputy commissioner for superannuation, clarified.
'Always consider the source of information you see.'
'If in doubt, go to trusted sources such as the ATO website, your super fund website, your registered tax agent or licensed financial adviser,' Rosenzweig further advised.
Have you received a suspicious message regarding your Age Pension? Have you seen a dodgy website announcing changes to superannuation? Share your experiences and stories in the comments section below; your story could help protect fellow SDC members!
Yet, new scams pop up every week, targeting vulnerable members of society like seniors.
For those who have received messages about their Centrelink payments, Services Australia has issued a warning to help seniors steer clear of these schemes.
Services Australia declared that there have been no recent changes to Age Pension eligibility.
In the same vein, there have been no changes in the way Centrelink verifies documents.
Services Australia urged everyone, especially seniors, to 'double-check' any submissions.
Scammers are taking advantage of the busy tax return season and the turbulence in superannuation. Image Credit: Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko
The warning came after a rise of scams regarding misinformation about Age Pension spreading online.
Scammers have been working overtime to spread misinformation, hoping to take advantage of those who may be feeling anxious about their finances.
As tax season looms closer, this announcement was a timely reminder from Services Australia.
Fake websites posing as Services Australia look almost identical to the real Centrelink page.
These websites come with official-looking logos and government-style language.
Scammers often use urgent headlines to lure people to their sites.
Fake Centrelink websites also promise 'one-off' payments, 'cost of living' bonuses, or threats to cancel payments if customers do not act fast.
However, Services Australia shared a tip for everyone so they could protect themselves from scams.
'If a website URL doesn't end in .gov.au, then it isn't an official government website,' Services Australia stated.
'We will always let you know when there are changes to any of our payments or services.'
Services Australia's General Manager, Hank Jongen, further explained why these scams exist.
'Their main purpose is likely gaining advertising revenue through website traffic, rather than phishing for personal information,' Mr Jongen said.
Centrelink aside, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has also reported a rise in scam attempts.
Fraudsters have been tricking people into 'changes' to superannuation rules, fuelled by people's anxiety over a rocky couple of weeks.
Several scammers have claimed that starting 1 June, super preservation and withdrawal rules are about to change.
'The maximum preservation age (the age when you can access your superannuation savings on retirement) is 60 for anyone born from 1 July 1964,' Emma Rosenzweig, ATO deputy commissioner for superannuation, clarified.
'Always consider the source of information you see.'
'If in doubt, go to trusted sources such as the ATO website, your super fund website, your registered tax agent or licensed financial adviser,' Rosenzweig further advised.
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