Authorities warn of a new Medicare email scam

The Federal Government is warning against a new scam that targets unsuspecting people, enticing them to click on dodgy links to steal their personal details.

Pirata informático roba datos personales. Source: GettyImages/BrianAJackson

The Federal Government has issued a warning about a new email scam targeting personal information of people by enticing them to click on dodgy links.

The Department of Human Services says the emails are sent to unsuspecting people pretending to be from Medicare, telling them they are owed a rebate of over $200.

The scam is very similar to the SMS message that the alleged scammers were sending last week, to entice people to click on a link to a website and share their personal details.

Internet crime and electronic banking security Source: iStockphoto

The Department has cautioned those who have received such emails not to click or respond to the email and is asking them to delete the message and report it to Scamwatch.

If someone has provided their personal details, they are advised to contact the department’s Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk on 1800 941 126.

“The Department of Human Services does not include hyperlinks in our emails or text messages. We would not offer you money without sending you an official letter first,” the DHS said in a statement.

“The Department of Human Services is working closely with the Australian Cyber Security Centre to have the malicious website removed as quickly as possible.”

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