Scammers target welfare recipients

The consumer watchdog's Scamwatch has received more than 2200 reports of a Centrelink scam since January.

Centrelink

Source: AAP ImageTracey Nearmy

Scammers pretending to be from the Department of Human Services or Centrelink have ripped $27,000 from their victims.

The consumer watchdog's Scamwatch has received more than 2200 reports of the scam since January.

"If you receive a phone call out of the blue from someone ... claiming that you are eligible for an increase in your pension or benefit - hang up," Australian Competition and Consumer deputy chair Delia Rickard said on Monday.

Share
1 min read

Published

Updated


Share this with family and friends


News

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Mandarin-speaking Australians.
Understand the quirky parts of Aussie life.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Simplified Chinese Collection

Simplified Chinese Collection

Watch onDemand