financial-support / centrelink / ato
What to do after a benefit scam
Safe first steps after sharing details with a fake Centrelink, myGov, tax or benefit payment page.
- financial-support
- centrelink
- ato
- national
- scams
financial-support
If you shared details with a fake benefit page, focus on containment. Stop contact, secure accounts, report the scam and use official services from direct URLs.
Safety and advice boundary
This is general navigation support only. It is not legal, financial, medical, eligibility, migration or crisis counselling advice. It cannot confirm your eligibility for any service. If someone is in immediate danger in Australia, call 000.
Plain-English answer
If you shared details with a fake benefit page, focus on containment. Stop contact, secure accounts, report the scam and use official services from direct URLs.
Who this helps
People who clicked a fake payment, bonus, refund or hardship support link and may have entered personal details.
What to do next
- 1Stop using the suspicious link and take screenshots if safe.
- 2Change passwords from official sites, starting with email and myGov if affected.
- 3Check Scamwatch and the relevant agency for reporting steps.
Check before you act
Scammers may contact you again pretending to help recover money or fix the problem.
Official sources
- Scamwatch
Official scam awareness and reporting information from the National Anti-Scam Centre.
- Services Australia - fake Centrelink payment information
Official warning about fake Centrelink payment posts and websites.
- Australian Taxation Office - verify or report a scam
Official ATO scam verification and reporting guidance.