Aussies warned of insidious Centrelink ‘bonus payment’ scam

Australians have been warned about a cruel scam website that claims to promote a “cost-of-living bonus payment” from Centrelink.

Australians have been warned about a cruel new scam website that claims to promote an $890 “cost of living bonus payment” from Centrelink.

Services Australia confirmed a series of fake websites, which are popping up as ads online and on social media, claimed to offer a “bonus payment” of $890, which people must claim before the end of October, only for the scammers to steal personal data.

Pensioners are among those being targeted.

These scam websites will typically feature “clickbait” images promising a “one-off payment” or “cash relief payment” from Centrelink for pensioners, people with disabilities and low-income earners.

“They offer varying amounts of money, including $750 and $1800,” Services Australia said. “These payments don’t exist.”

The “clickbait” websites will encourage the person to ”check their eligibility status” by entering their personal details required to log into the myGov website.

The scammer will then access the myGov account and lock the person out.

Services Australia warned residents to stay vigilant about suspicious websites, and always check the URL.

“If the website URL doesn’t end in .gov.au then it isn’t an official government website. It could be a scam,” Services Australia said.

Originally published as Aussies warned of insidious Centrelink ‘bonus payment’ scam