Have you received a text message claiming to be from a government agency and that you’re owed a refund, or that you urgently need to update your personal information to receive a payment? Be careful – it could be a scam.
The ACMA is aware of reports of scammers taking advantage of cost-of-living pressures by sending messages posing as government agencies and offering fake payments and refunds. Agencies impersonated include myGov, Centrelink, Medicare, and the ATO.
These scams will ask you to click on links that lead to convincing websites to receive a refund or payment. These websites are fake. Other examples may ask you to update your personal details via a link or attachment, promising payment once completed.
They’re ultimately designed to trick you into handing over your financial information to a scammer.
What to do if you think you’re being scammed
If you receive one of these messages – stop and think. Don’t rush to act. Scammers will always try to create a sense of urgency.
