Latest news with #CarerAllowance
7NEWS
16-05-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Centrelink, Australia Post warn customers about fake information scam
Centrelink has released a warning about prevalent scams targeting customers on Friday. It noted fake information on dodgy websites and social media accounts, threatening penalties and account cancellations. 'These unofficial websites and social media accounts are sharing information about Centrelink payments that isn't real,' Services Australia said. 'This is called clickbait. Clickbait is usually misleading and made to get your attention.' Bogus claims include Centrelink pensioners being asked to provide extra documents to meet new requirements and undergo new eligibility and verification processes. The clickbait websites and social media accounts also mention cash relief in the form of one-off payments. 'They offer varying amounts of money, including $750, $1800 and $4100,' Services Australia said. 'These payments don't exist.' When talking about one-off and bonus payments, the fake sites and social media accounts might say they'll help with the cost of living, and offer relief to people getting an Age Pension, Carer Payment or Carer Allowance, or anyone with a concession card. Services Australia said that people falling for these scams were exacerbating the issue. 'People are sharing these websites on social media, thinking the information is real,' it said. One way to rule out potentially fake website is to check the URL for '. 'If the website URL doesn't end in . then it isn't an official government website. It could be a scam,' Services Australia said. 'The only genuine Services Australia and myGov websites are and Sophisticated scam techniques Centrelink is not the only government-facilitated service that has recently released a warning. Australia Post alerted people on Friday about a scam it said has affected nine out of 10 Australians. The scam is part of the 'Darcula phishing-as-a-service operation', the national postal service said. 'Darcula's sophisticated techniques bypass telecommunications and network filters to send scams over iMessage and Rich Communication Services (RCS), making them harder to block.' Australia Post surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1000 Australians in April this year, and found that nine out of 10 Australians had received a scam text. Three quarters of that have specifically been hit with a text from scammers impersonating Australia Post. The latest fraudulent texts from Australia Post impersonators claim a delivery has failed due to an invalid postal code. This lures recipients into clicking malicious links which take them to websites, where they are prompted to hand over personal information. The survey also showed that '85 per cent (of respondents) are more concerned about scams today than they were 12 months ago.' Australia Post chief information security officer Adam Cartwright said: 'Scammers prey on busy lifestyles and the excitement and urgency in waiting for a package.' 'The safest way to track your deliveries is directly through the official AusPost app. If you're expecting a parcel, don't click on suspicious links or respond to unexpected messages — always check the app first.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Centrelink issues urgent Age Pension eligibility change warning: 'Double check'
Services Australia has warned Australians to "protect themselves" by not falling for misinformation they might see online. Scammers have been trying to con people into thinking there have been big changes to the Age Pension. However, the government body said the payment system hasn't been altered. Services Australia urged people to "double-check" everything they read to make sure its real. "There are no changes to eligibility for Age Pension, and no changes to document verification for pensioners," it said. ATO issues superannuation warning for retirees over June 1 rule 'change' Retirement warning as controversial $3 million superannuation tax change looms: 'Be proactive' Commonwealth Bank customer rages over threat to cut access to his money: 'Seven day deadline' Scammers might use websites that look eerily similar to Services Australia or Centrelink, however, checking the URL can usually separate the real from the fake. "If a website URL doesn't end in . then it isn't an official government website," it said. "We'll always let you know when there are changes to any of our payments or services." Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen told Yahoo Finance these websites are designed to suck people in with flashy headlines. 'Their main purpose is likely gaining advertising revenue through website traffic, rather than phishing for personal information,' he said. Services Australia has noticed an uptick in the number of these scam sites claiming there are changes to things like eligibility or verification processes, as well as new bonuses, cash relief, or "one-off" payments. They will use words like "cost of living" and target those with a Concession Card or those on the Age Pension, Carer Payment or Carer Allowance. They're designed to lure in people who might be in desperate need of a lift in their payments, with big promises of up to $4,100 being offered. However, these payments don't exist. "They might also threaten you with penalties if you don't meet the new requirements," Services Australia warned. "They'll tell you they'll cancel your payments or that you'll get a fine or debt. This isn't true." It added that if you're ever unsure about information you see online, you can search the Services Australia website for any updates. You can also call Services Australia or message the body on social media. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issued a similar warning this week after noticing scammers trying to trick people into thinking there have been changes to superannuation. Several online articles have claimed super preservation and withdrawal rules are changing on June 1. But, again, this is fake news. "The maximum preservation age (the age when you can access your superannuation savings on retirement) is 60 for anyone born from 1 July 1964,' ATO deputy commissioner for superannuation Emma Rosenzweig said. 'Always consider the source of information you see, and if in doubt go to trusted sources such as the ATO website your super fund website, your registered tax agent or licensed financial adviser. 'Beware of websites that might be trying to harvest your personal information such as your TFN, identity details or mygov login details.'
