Fake Centrelink Cost-of-Living Stimulus Payment Scam
Scammers impersonate Centrelink by sending texts and emails about government cost-of-living payments or economic support bonuses, directing recipients to fake myGov pages to 'register' their banking details. Real one-off government payments in Australia are deposited automatically to the account on file — no registration via a link is needed.
Part of: Fake Stimulus Payment Scams
Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
The Australian government has periodically provided one-off cost-of-living payments and economic stimulus bonuses to welfare recipients. Each time such payments are announced, scammers launch corresponding impersonation campaigns that hijack the announcement to steal myGov credentials and bank details.
The messages create a sense of easy money: a Centrelink payment is available, and the recipient just needs to confirm their banking details to receive it. The urgency is gentle but persistent — 'register before the deadline' — keeping the victim focused on not missing out rather than on verifying the message.
In reality, genuine cost-of-living payments and one-off bonuses administered through Centrelink are paid automatically to the bank account already linked to the recipient's Centrelink account. No separate registration or bank detail submission is ever required via an external link.
How this scam works on the Centrelink brand
A text reads: 'Centrelink: A one-off cost-of-living payment of $XXX is available for eligible recipients. Register your payment details here: [link].' The link opens a convincing myGov login page that harvests GCKey credentials.
Once a myGov account is accessed, the scammer changes the linked bank account details so the next legitimate Centrelink payment goes to their account rather than the victim's. This is a direct financial loss on top of the credential theft.
Email variants carry Centrelink and Services Australia logos and reference specific programme names from real government announcements, making them appear highly timely and credible. The Services Australia website (servicesaustralia.gov.au) is the only legitimate source for information about genuine payment eligibility.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited text or email about a Centrelink bonus or stimulus payment requiring you to click a link
- Link does not go to my.gov.au or servicesaustralia.gov.au
- Request to 'update' or 'register' bank details through an external link
- No corresponding message in your actual myGov inbox
- Message references a payment programme but asks for GCKey credentials
- Urgency: 'deadline to register is [date]'
- Email comes from an address other than a @servicesaustralia.gov.au domain
How to protect yourself
- Log in to myGov at my.gov.au directly — never via a link — to check for real payment notices
- Call Services Australia on 136 240 to ask about any genuine one-off payments you may be eligible for
- Your bank details for Centrelink payments are managed through your myGov account — never update them via an external link
- Forward suspicious texts to 7226 and emails to the ACSC
- If myGov credentials were entered on a fake page, change your password immediately and contact Services Australia
How to report it
- Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au
- Contact the Services Australia Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk at 1800 000 396
- Report to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at cyber.gov.au/report
- Forward suspicious texts to 7226
- If bank details were redirected, contact your bank and Services Australia immediately
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register to receive a Centrelink cost-of-living payment?
No. Eligible Centrelink recipients receive one-off cost-of-living payments automatically to the bank account already linked to their Centrelink account. No separate registration via a link or text is ever required.
How can I check if a Centrelink payment is genuine?
Log in to your myGov account at my.gov.au and check your Centrelink account. The official Services Australia website also lists current payment programmes and eligibility criteria.
My myGov was used to change my bank details. What do I do?
Call Services Australia on 136 240 immediately to reverse the bank account change, then change your myGov password. Contact your bank and report to Scamwatch and the ACSC.