Australians are being warned to stay alert as a wave of fake Centrelink payment claims spreads across the internet, falsely promising a one-off $1,200 cost-of-living bonus.
Services Australia has confirmed that no such payment has been announced, and urged the public to be cautious of scams posing as official government assistance.
No $1,200 Centrelink Bonus: Don’t Fall for the Trap
A growing number of social media posts and unofficial websites are claiming that Centrelink is offering a $1,200 payment to eligible Australians, particularly pensioners. However, this information is completely false.
“We haven’t made any announcements about any additional ‘one-off’, ‘bonus’, or ‘cost of living’ payments,” Services Australia said in a public statement.
Scammers are using these fake offers to harvest personal information under the guise of Centrelink or myGov portals.
How the Scam Works
Fake websites are disguised to look like official government pages. Victims are often lured through text messages, emails, or social media ads claiming they qualify for a quick cash handout.
Once users click the link, they may be asked to enter personal details such as:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Home address
These small bits of data are often enough for identity theft or further phishing attacks.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Services Australia offered these simple ways to spot a scam:
- Check the website: If the URL doesn’t end in “.gov.au”, it’s not an official Australian government site.
- No clickable links: Government agencies will never send login links via text or email.
- Don’t trust the branding alone: Just because a message includes logos from Centrelink or myGov doesn’t make it legitimate.
What Should You Do If You See a Scam?
If you come across one of these fake claims:
- Don’t click on any links.
- Report the scam to the National Anti-Scam Centre.
- Warn friends and family—especially seniors, who are often targeted.
According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, scammers often pose as trusted authorities, including:
- Centrelink
- Services Australia
- The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- Even foreign government agencies
Their goal? To make you panic and act quickly—whether by threatening arrest or offering fake rewards.
Staying Safe Online
Australians are encouraged to verify information only through official government channels, such as:
- The Services Australia website: servicesaustralia.gov.au
- The official myGov portal
- Verified social media accounts with government verification ticks
If you’re unsure, never share personal information online, and always double-check the source.
Centrelink Scams on the Rise: Stay Vigilant
With scammers evolving their tactics, Australians are urged to be extra cautious when browsing online or responding to messages related to government benefits. No legitimate Centrelink payment will ever ask for sensitive information via text or social media.
Stay informed, protect your personal details, and always verify before you click.