Fake Centrelink myGov Reverification Scam
Scammers send texts and emails impersonating Centrelink, claiming recipients must reverify their identity through myGov to prevent payment suspension. Real Centrelink identity reviews involve formal written communication — not unsolicited links to credential-harvesting fake myGov pages.
Part of: Benefit Reverification Phishing Scams
Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
Centrelink periodically conducts income and identity reviews for benefit recipients, a process that many recipients are aware of and sometimes anxious about. Criminals exploit this awareness by sending messages that claim an urgent reverification is required within a short deadline.
The messages are particularly effective because they combine two fears: losing a benefit payment and failing to comply with a government agency. The combination of authority and financial stakes pushes victims to act quickly rather than pause and verify.
The real Centrelink identity review process involves a formal letter or a notification through the recipient's myGov inbox — never an unsolicited SMS link to a re-verification form. Recipients are given adequate time to respond and a clear process to follow through official Services Australia channels.
How this scam works on the Centrelink brand
Texts read: 'Centrelink: Annual identity re-verification required. Your payments will be suspended if not completed by [date]. Verify now: [link].' The link opens a fake myGov login page collecting GCKey credentials.
Once credentials are captured, the scammer changes the bank account linked to Centrelink payments and may also access Medicare, the ATO, and My Health Record through the compromised myGov account.
Email variants include Centrelink and Services Australia logos and sometimes name the specific payment type (JobSeeker, Age Pension, DSP) to appear targeted. The email may also appear to come from an @servicesaustralia.gov.au address using domain spoofing or lookalike domains.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited text or email about Centrelink reverification with a link and a short deadline
- Link does not go to my.gov.au or servicesaustralia.gov.au
- No corresponding message in your actual myGov inbox
- Request for myGov username and password via an external link
- Email address does not match @servicesaustralia.gov.au exactly
- Urgency: 'payment suspended within 48 hours'
- Form asks for bank account details as part of the re-verification
How to protect yourself
- Log in to myGov directly at my.gov.au — never via a link — to check for genuine notifications
- Call Services Australia on 136 240 to verify any reverification request
- Real Centrelink reviews come by post or through your myGov inbox — not via unsolicited SMS links
- If you believe your myGov was accessed, change your password immediately and call 136 240
- Forward suspicious texts to 7226 (Scamwatch SMS number)
How to report it
- Report to Services Australia Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk at 1800 000 396
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au
- Report to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at cyber.gov.au/report
- Forward suspicious texts to 7226
- If bank details were changed, contact your bank and Services Australia immediately
Frequently asked questions
How does real Centrelink notify me about an identity review?
Centrelink sends review notices through your myGov inbox or by post. You are given adequate time to respond through official processes — there are no same-day deadlines delivered by SMS.
What else is at risk if my myGov is compromised?
myGov links to Centrelink, Medicare, the ATO, My Health Record, and other government services. A compromised account exposes your tax, health, and welfare information across all linked services.
Is there a way to add extra security to myGov?
Yes. myGov supports multi-factor authentication (MFA). Enable it through your myGov account settings at my.gov.au to add an extra layer of protection.