Customers warned about 'life-changing' Centrelink payments circulating online
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As the cost of living continues to rise, the promise of extra cash could be a beacon of hope for many.
A wave of articles recently made rounds online, claiming substantial payments for seniors and Centrelink recipients.
However, it's essential to approach these promises with a healthy dose of scepticism.
These 'life-changing benefits' may be alluring, but a spokesperson for the National Anti-Scam Centre warned that these claims are illegitimate.
The fraudulent websites promised payments ranging from $1,490 to a whopping $2,100.
Some fraudsters even promised hefty tax refunds or parenting payments to lure people in.
Services Australia reminded beneficiaries to ignore unofficial websites and social media accounts peddling false information about Centrelink bonuses.
'You might read about a new "one-off payment", "Centrelink cash relief payment" or "bonus payment" to help with the cost of living, help people getting Age Pension, or help people who have a concession card,' a Services Australia spokesperson shared.
'They offer varying amounts of money, but these payments don't exist.'
Previous Centrelink scams indicated one-off bonuses ranging from $750 to $1,800.
Services Australia advised Aussies to carefully check the websites where these Centrelink payments are being posted.
If a website does not end in '.gov.au', it is not from an official government source.
Many scam websites end in '.in', indicating origins from India.
They also advised to avoid clicking on the links—especially those asking customers to 'check your eligibility' for upcoming payments.
This tactic could harvest a person's personal and financial information.
Services Australia assured everyone that any changes or updates about payments would be posted through their official channels.
The National Anti-Scam Centre also shared a three-step approach to preventing scams: Stop, Check, and Protect.
While a $2,100 Centrelink payment might seem like a godsend, stay vigilant and informed.
Stay safe and sceptical, and if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Have you encountered similar Centrelink scams as of late? Share your experiences and advice with us in the comments below.
A wave of articles recently made rounds online, claiming substantial payments for seniors and Centrelink recipients.
However, it's essential to approach these promises with a healthy dose of scepticism.
These 'life-changing benefits' may be alluring, but a spokesperson for the National Anti-Scam Centre warned that these claims are illegitimate.
The fraudulent websites promised payments ranging from $1,490 to a whopping $2,100.
Some fraudsters even promised hefty tax refunds or parenting payments to lure people in.
Services Australia reiterated the importance of keeping your personal and financial information safe from scammers. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Bennography
Services Australia reminded beneficiaries to ignore unofficial websites and social media accounts peddling false information about Centrelink bonuses.
'You might read about a new "one-off payment", "Centrelink cash relief payment" or "bonus payment" to help with the cost of living, help people getting Age Pension, or help people who have a concession card,' a Services Australia spokesperson shared.
'They offer varying amounts of money, but these payments don't exist.'
Previous Centrelink scams indicated one-off bonuses ranging from $750 to $1,800.
Services Australia advised Aussies to carefully check the websites where these Centrelink payments are being posted.
If a website does not end in '.gov.au', it is not from an official government source.
Many scam websites end in '.in', indicating origins from India.
They also advised to avoid clicking on the links—especially those asking customers to 'check your eligibility' for upcoming payments.
This tactic could harvest a person's personal and financial information.
Services Australia assured everyone that any changes or updates about payments would be posted through their official channels.
The National Anti-Scam Centre also shared a three-step approach to preventing scams: Stop, Check, and Protect.
- Stop giving out money or personal information if you're unsure.
- Check by verifying the claims with the official organisation's phone number.
- Protect yourself by contacting your bank or card provider if you suspect you've been scammed.
While a $2,100 Centrelink payment might seem like a godsend, stay vigilant and informed.
Stay safe and sceptical, and if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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