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Sean Camara
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NEW SCAM ALERT: Services Australia warns Centrelink recipients to be wary of emails offering myGov ‘refunds’
Services Australia has issued an urgent warning about a new scheme that scammers are using to trick Australians.
A new scam demands Centrelink recipients fill out forms with their personal information, enticing them with the promise of a ‘refund’. Credit: Services Australia.
In a statement released by the agency, it was said that scammers are now disguising themselves as myGov employees, sending emails to Centrelink recipients and requesting them for personal details from them for a “refund”.
The agency also disclosed that the emails instruct recipients to open a set of links or to fill out an online form, asking for personal information.
Services Australia said: “The scam may tell you that you’re eligible for the money. It may then ask you to submit an application electronically, by filling out a form and confirming it’s correct.”
“It may tell you the form will be sent to myGov securely, and others can’t see your information. It will ask you to submit the form by selecting a link.”
The agency also confirmed that it would never ask Centrelink recipients to open a link nor open file attachments from the email.
Additionally, Services Australia claimed that their cold emails — which are usually announcements and information on its services — are often automated so recipients are not required to reply to them.
“It may pretend to have important information that tells you your refund won’t be processed unless you confirm your identity,” the agency said.
“It may also threaten to cancel your account if one or more attempts are unsuccessful."
“If you get an email like this, don’t open any links, download attachments or respond.”
Services Australia said that they would never ask Centrelink recipients to reply to their emails. Credit: Getty Images.
Services Australia also listed the instances where it will be asking people to open a link:
- A link found on the official Services Australia website
- A link found on its official social media accounts
- A link found in the recipient's myGov Inbox, once they’ve signed in.
What to do if you get this scam email?
For those of you who received a suspicious email, the agency released a step-by-step guide on how to report and protect yourself from it.
It is also advised to call the Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk at 1800 941 126 right away if you've:
- opened a link or downloaded a form from a suspicious email
- replied to the email
- filled out the web form or attachment with your personal details
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