Fake information about Centrelink payments
There are unofficial websites and social media accounts online sharing information about Centrelink payments that isn’t real.
Fake information about Age Pension requirements
There are unofficial websites and social media accounts spreading Centrelink misinformation online. These websites are called clickbait.
Centrelink scams
There are different types of Centrelink scams.
Advance payment
You may get part of your income support payment or Family Tax Benefit (Part A) early. This is an advance payment. You pay it back later out of your payments from us.
Centrelink impersonation phone call scams
You might get a call claiming to be from Services Australia.
Centrelink impersonation email scams
You might get an email claiming to be from Centrelink about urgently updating your details.
Centrelink online account help - Apply for an advance payment
Instructions to apply for an advance payment using your Centrelink online account.
Residence descriptions
You usually need to be an Australian resident or hold a specific visa type to get a Centrelink payment or concession card.
Centrelink online account help - Manage your income and assets details
Instructions to update your income and assets details using your Centrelink online account.
Scams and identity theft
Protect yourself against scams. Learn what to do if you’re the victim of a scam or identity theft, including if your details are exposed in a data breach.