Centrelink cost-of-living warning as Aussie couple loses $1,000: ‘Alarming’

An Aussie couple has lost $1,000 from their Centrelink payments after they fell for a scam impersonating a charity. Aussies seeking financial assistance are being urged to watch out for the “alarming” scams taking advantage of the cost-of-living crisis.

The National Anti-Scam Centre said criminals were deceiving people by impersonating charities and offering fake financial assistance schemes to those in hardship, such as No Interest Loan Schemes. They are also offering fake emergency relief services, rental assistance and programs like the Australian Emergency Rental Assistance program.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) deputy chair Catriona Lowe said struggling Aussies were being targeted in “despicable ways” by criminals as the cost of living rises.

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“We are warning people who need financial assistance and those that provide it to be aware of these scams,” Lowe said.

In one example, a couple on Centrelink payments were duped by scammers who pretended to be from a reputable charity online and advertised them a no-interest loan.

“Believing the offer was genuine, the victims provided sensitive information, including their driver’s license, Medicare card, Pension Card, and myGov details,” Lowe shared.

“The scammers then diverted $1,000 from the couple’s Centrelink payments.”

Have you fallen victim to a scam? Share your story with tamika.seeto@yahooinc.com

In another case, a disability support pension recipient was tricked by scammers who had set up a Facebook page called ‘Emergency Rental Assistance Program’.

The Aussie handed over their personal information, including their myGov Account. The scammers were then able to lock them out of their account and change their Centrelink bank details, stealing their disability support pension.

What should I watch out for?

Scammers will impersonate government agencies and programs, as well as charities which provide support to people in need, such as the Wesley Mission.

“Impersonating trusted organisations is a common scam tactic. Australians should independently check an organisation offering financial assistance is legitimate, and never provide personal identifying information through social media,” Lowe said.

Scammers will try and steal money and personal information, such as myGov usernames and passwords, bank account details, driver's licences or passports.

“Don’t rely on social media adverts or assume that the person contacting you is who they say they are. If you think you’ve been targeted by scammers, act quickly to protect yourself,” Lowe said.

Resources available

Aussies are encouraged to report scam activity to the social media platform directly and Scamwatch.

If your personal information is compromised contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160.

If your myGov or Centrelink details have been shared, call Services Australia’s Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk on 1800 941 126.

There are genuine No Interest Loan Schemes offered by trusted charities such as Good Shepherd and the Salvation Army.

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