Stay Safe Online: How to Spot and Avoid MyGov Scams
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the way they target Australians. One of the most common scams currently circulating involves emails and text messages pretending to be from MyGov, Centrelink, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), or other government agencies.
These messages are designed to look genuine and often create a sense of urgency, encouraging people to click links, provide personal information, or log in to fake websites.
Understanding how these scams work can help protect your personal information, identity, and finances.
What Do MyGov Scams Look Like?
A scam email may claim that you need to:
Confirm your account details
Update personal information
Verify banking details
Review a government payment
Claim a refund or benefit
Respond to an urgent notification
The message may appear professional and include government logos, branding, and official-looking language. However, there are often warning signs that reveal it is not legitimate.
Three Simple Things to Check
1. Check the Sender's Email Address
Scammers often make an email look as though it has come from MyGov, but the sender's email address tells a different story.
Before opening an attachment or clicking a link, look carefully at who actually sent the message. If the email address looks unusual or unrelated to the organisation it claims to be from, treat it with caution.
2. Be Wary of Links
A common tactic used by scammers is to include a link that directs you to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials.
If you receive an email claiming to be from MyGov, Centrelink, or the ATO, avoid clicking embedded links. Instead, open your web browser and manually visit the official website or use the official mobile app.
3. Watch Out for Urgent Requests
Scammers often try to create panic or pressure by warning that your account will be suspended, payments will stop, or action must be taken immediately.
Whenever you receive an unexpected request involving personal information, banking details, or login credentials, take a moment to stop and verify the source before responding.
What Should You Do if You Receive a Suspicious Email?
If an email appears suspicious:
✅ Do not click any links
✅ Do not open attachments
✅ Do not provide personal or financial information
✅ Delete the email or report it as spam
✅ Contact the organisation directly using contact details from its official website if you are unsure
What If You Have Already Clicked a Link?
If you believe you may have interacted with a scam message:
Change your passwords immediately.
Monitor your bank accounts and online services.
Contact your bank if you have provided financial information.
Report the incident through official government scam reporting channels.
Consider seeking advice from a trusted professional if you are concerned about identity theft.
A Good Rule to Remember
If an email asks you to click a link, provide personal information, or act urgently, take a step back and verify it first.
Government agencies, financial institutions, and other legitimate organisations understand the importance of protecting your information. A few extra moments spent checking an email could prevent significant inconvenience and financial loss.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family
Scammers regularly change their tactics, and unfortunately older Australians are often targeted. We encourage everyone to discuss online safety with family members and loved ones and to be cautious when receiving unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls.
Staying informed is one of the best defences against fraud.
If in doubt, don't click. Verify first.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This publication is prepared by Personal Financial Services ABN 26 098 725 145, AFSL 234459 (“Licensee”). The information in this publication is general only and has not been tailored to individual circumstances. Before acting on this publication, you should assess your own circumstances or seek personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. This publication is current as at the date of issue but may be subject to change or be superseded by future publications. While it is believed that the information is accurate and reliable, the accuracy of that information is not guaranteed in any way. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, and it should not be relied on for any investment decision. Whilst care has been taken in preparing the content, no liability is accepted by the Licensee nor any of its agents, employees or related bodies corporate for any errors or omissions in this publication, and/or losses or liabilities arising from any reliance on this document. This publication is not available for distribution outside Australia and may not be passed on to any third person without the prior written consent of the Licensee. Published April 2026
