Scams and identity theft

Learn about how scams work, including different types of scams and information about active scams using our brands to target Australians. You can also learn how to protect against scams and keep your personal information safe online. You can read about what help you can get if a scam or third party data breach has affected you.

Our scams brochure has information, examples and support for people affected by a myGov or Services Australia scam.

We also have scams and identity theft resources for community groups.

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’ve had your identity documents or myGov, Centrelink or Medicare information exposed in a third-party data breach
• you’re a victim of identity theft.

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.