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We have information in different languages about Scams and identity theft
Beware of scams
Beware of scams audio
Disaster Payment Scams audio
What is a phishing scam? video
Call us for help in your language.
Learn about how scams work including different types of scams. Find information about active scams that are targeting Australians using myGov, Medicare, and Centrelink. You can learn how to protect against scams and keep your personal information safe online. You can also read about what help you can get if a scam or third-party data breach has affected you.
We also have scams and identity theft resources for community groups.
Scams that pretend to be us
A scam is a trick designed to gain access to your money or personal information. Scammers pretend to be from Services Australia, including myGov, PRODA, Medicare, Child Support or Centrelink. They may send a text message, email, or social media message with a link to a fake myGov website that looks real.
If you enter your myGov sign in details on a fake website, scammers can use that information to sign in to your real myGov account. They can then try to steal your money or personal information. Read about how scams work.
This does not mean your myGov account has been hacked.
Hacking is when criminals force their way into an online system or network to control or steal data. We’re committed to protecting Australians from scams and identity theft. Read more about how we protect your myGov account.
If you’ve been scammed
Our staff can offer support and advice about how to protect yourself and your personal information. We can organise an interpreter when you call if you need help in your language.
Call our Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk immediately if you’ve:
- opened a link in a suspicious text message, email or social media message
- given someone your myGov sign in details or other personal information
- visited a website that pretended to be us or downloaded a fake app.
Our staff can also support you if you’re affected by identity theft and either of the following apply to you:
- you’ve had your identity documents or myGov, Centrelink or Medicare information exposed in a third-party data breach
- someone is using your personal information to pretend to be you.
If you see a Services Australia or myGov scam
To report a scam related to myGov or Services Australia, including Centrelink, Medicare, or Child Support, you can email reportascam@servicesaustralia.gov.au.
Read more about how to report a scam to us.
Watch our video on how to spot a myGov scam and learn how to report one.
You can report all other scams to Scamwatch.
Contact numbers available on this page.
Scams and Identity Theft helpdesk
Use this line if you’re the victim of identity theft or think you’ve been scammed and need help.
There are other ways you may want to contact us.