Australians have been alerted to a fraudulent claim spreading across social media and unofficial websites. The scam falsely announces a $600 “cash bonus” to help Centrelink recipients cope with rising living costs.
Services Australia’s General Manager, Hank Jongen, issued a clear warning about the dangers of these misleading websites.
“These sites use deceptive headlines to generate web traffic, often tricking people into providing personal information,” said Jongen. He emphasized that individuals should not share personal details, such as myGov login credentials, in response to these fake offers.
Genuine Payment Adjustments in January
While the alleged $600 bonus is entirely fabricated, certain Centrelink payments are set to increase from January 1 as part of the regular indexation process. These legitimate adjustments include:
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy
- Youth Disability Support Pension
- Carer Allowance
Other payments – such as the Age Pension, JobSeeker, and Disability Support Pension—will see adjustments in March and September. These official changes reflect routine policy updates, unlike the fake bonus claims circulating online.
The Rise of Fake Centrelink Offers
The number of fraudulent websites claiming to offer cost-of-living relief has grown significantly. Some sites advertise amounts ranging from $750 to $1,800, targeting pensioners, low-income earners, job seekers, and individuals with disabilities. These scams aim to:
- Generate advertising revenue through high website traffic.
- Collect personal details for potential misuse in other fraudulent schemes.
Jongen noted that many of these fake sites are quickly created, sometimes using artificial intelligence to appear legitimate.
Unfortunately, Services Australia faces difficulties in shutting them down, leaving individuals to rely on vigilance and verified information sources.
How to Identify Scams
To avoid falling victim to these schemes, Australians are advised to:
- Check the URL:
Official government websites end with.gov.au. If the site does not have this domain, it is likely not trustworthy. - Ignore Clickbait Headlines:
Sensational claims about “free money” or “immediate bonuses” are often designed to deceive. Instead, rely on official government announcements or verified social media channels. - Be Cautious with Personal Details:
Never provide myGov credentials or other personal information in response to unverified offers or unexpected payment increase claims.
By staying alert to these red flags, individuals can avoid scams and ensure that they access genuine financial support.
Identifying Real vs. Fake Centrelink Offers
| Real Payment Adjustments | Fake Claims |
|---|---|
| Increase based on regular indexation | Promise of one-time $600 “bonus” |
| Announced on official government sites | Promoted on unofficial websites and social media |
| Valid changes for Youth Allowance, Austudy, etc. | False claims about Age Pension increases |
| Supported by transparent government updates | Lacks official confirmation from Services Australia |
FAQs
What is the $600 cost-of-living bonus scam about?
It’s a fraudulent claim circulating online that falsely promises Centrelink recipients a one-time $600 payment.
Are there any genuine payment increases from Centrelink?
Yes, some payments will increase from January as part of the regular indexation process. However, the $600 bonus claim is fake.
How can I identify an official government website?
Official Australian government sites end in .gov.au. If a website doesn’t have this domain, it’s likely not legitimate.