Centrelink scam alert: The truth behind the $600 cash bonus

In an age where the internet can be a treasure trove of information, it can also be a minefield of misinformation and scams. It’s a sad reality that there are individuals out there who prey on the trust and sometimes the vulnerability of others, especially seniors who are often the target of financial scams. The latest ruse to come to light is a particularly cruel one, promising a $600 ‘cash bonus’ from Centrelink that simply doesn’t exist.

Services Australia, the agency responsible for delivering government payments and services, has issued a stern warning to all Australians, urging them not to be fooled by clickbait websites spreading false information about Centrelink pension payment increases and cash bonuses. These websites have been popping up like unwanted weeds, promoting fake cost-of-living support and being shared across social media platforms.

One such website falsely claims that the government has announced a ‘one-time $600 cash bonus’ to be paid in the first week of January to help ‘Aussies dealing with rising living costs.’ It also deceitfully suggests that those on the Age Pension will receive a ‘bigger retirement income’ with a payment rate increase in January. Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen has made it clear that these claims are entirely bogus.

Jongen has pointed out that these unofficial websites are using clickbait headlines to generate traffic, exploiting people’s interest in financial support. While the primary goal of these sites seems to be to rake in advertising revenue through increased website traffic, they could also potentially be phishing for personal information. It’s a stark reminder that we must be vigilant about where we get our information and what details we share online.

It’s important to note that while some Centrelink payments and income support will indeed increase on January 1 due to regular indexation—including Youth Allowance, Austudy, Youth Disability Support Pension, and Carer Allowance—other payments like the Age Pension, JobSeeker, and Disability Support Pension increase with indexation in March and September, not January.

The rise in these ‘clickbait’ websites is alarming, and they often promote varying amounts of money for different reasons, such as helping with the cost of living or supporting pensioners, low-income earners, people with disabilities, and job seekers. Unfortunately, Services Australia has expressed that it is challenging to shut these websites down, as they are easy for scammers to create and can even be generated by AI.

So, how can you protect yourself and ensure you’re not falling for a clickbait scam? A good rule of thumb is to check the website URL—if it doesn’t end in ‘.gov.au’, then it isn’t an official government website. Jongen advises ignoring the clickbait headlines and only trusting information from Services Australia’s genuine websites—servicesaustralia.gov.au and my.gov.au—and their official social media accounts.

Services Australia also provides information about scams targeting Australians on its website, which is updated regularly. It’s a valuable resource for staying informed about the latest schemes and learning how to protect yourself.

It’s clear that scammers are becoming more creative, and staying alert is key. If you’ve encountered any scams like this or know someone who has, your experiences could help others. Feel free to share in the comments below.

Also read: 95-year-old victim of scam: Protect yourself and loved ones now