Taskforce Integrity

Services Australia and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) work together to prevent, detect and investigate those who try to exploit the welfare system.

Current action

The Taskforce responds to serious fraud and identity crime by bringing together capabilities and intelligence from Services Australia and the AFP. Areas of focus include those who:

  • steal identities to lodge false claims or hijack customer payments
  • are receiving welfare benefits and have large amounts of unexplained wealth.

The Taskforce dedicates resources to recover debts resulting from fraud and serious non-compliance. This includes a range of tools supported by legislation, such as:

  • departure prohibition orders
  • seizure and sale of assets
  • bank, wage and tax refund garnishee.

Where there’s evidence of criminal behaviour, the Taskforce refers matters to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

You can help us

If you think someone is committing welfare fraud, you can report them. You don't need to give us your name.

Read about reporting fraud.

Change of circumstances

If you get a payment from us it’s important to tell us if your circumstances change.

If you don’t tell us about changes when you know you should, you could be committing welfare fraud. Read how to avoid committing fraud.

The easiest way to update your details is online using either your:

Page last updated: 17 November 2022.