Centrelink Age Pension warning: Services Australia has noticed scammers trying to con people into thinking there have been changes to the payment.
Centrelink Age Pension warning to Australians is 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.
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 .gov.au, 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.
What fake Centrelink news scams are circulating?
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, Career Payment or Career Allowance.
They’re designed to lure in people who might be in desperate need of a lift in their payments. This 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.
Superannuation also being targeted by scammers
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 www.ato.gov.au, 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.”
