Scam Alert: False claims that Centrelink gives $1,600 Christmas bonus payment to older Australians
If you have seen reports or social media posts claiming that you will be receiving a bonus Christmas Centrelink payment, we have some sad news. Those claims are false. And there’s an insidious play behind them.
Multiple websites reported on the false information that Centrelink was providing a “Christmas Bonus” to older Australians and those on disability allowance. Many claimed the amount was to be $1,600, another $1,321. One claimed that older Australians would receive a $1,600 payment automatically into their bank account on December 20. No need to apply separately; if you were on Centrelink, the payments would show up without delay.
The articles go on to say that this “special one-time support” is designed to help those having a hard time this Christmas financially.
Sounds too good to be true? That’s because it is.
Services Australia released a statement on their Facebook page and website refuting the claims.
“There are unofficial websites and social media accounts online sharing fake information about Centrelink payments that aren’t real or no longer available…They offer varying amounts of money, including $750, $950, $1,800 and $4,100. These payments don’t exist…People are sharing these websites on social media, thinking the information is real. If the website URL doesn’t end in .gov.au then it isn’t an official government website. It could be a scam.”
Screenshots of website claims which Services Australia has refuted.
Why did these websites report this false claim?
In short, these articles are clickbait. They write enticing articles, regardless of accuracy, and make their money through website visits and advertising on the websites. In many cases, it’s probable that the false claims are not even written by a human. This editor found the same author on multiple articles, and a financial writer of the same name does not appear to exist.
It’s not just websites. Multiple YouTube Channels are claiming to be your guide to Centrelink Payments, but make false claims about benefits using “Altered or synthetic content”, which means they aren’t real people; it’s an AI person.
Screenshot of an AI model from a YouTube Channel claiming to be your guide to Centrelink and Services Australia. Source: YouTube
This isn’t the first time misinformation has been shared about Centrelink. In recent months, it was also heavily reported that the pension age was increasing, a report that Services Australia also refuted.
What can you do to protect yourself online from scams and fake information?
It comes down to this: If you see a claim from someone online, a media outlet or a social media influencer, go directly to the source. If something sounds too good to be true…it probably is.
Services Australia and its social media pages refute these claims. If they say it’s fake, then it’s fake.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs and Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT make it very easy to craft a fake news article. Even Google’s new AI Overview can serve up fake information if enough websites report false information. So fact-check your sources and go directly to Services Australia or Centrelink to discuss your payments.
And ensure you are on the correct websites. The only genuine Services Australia and myGov websites are servicesaustralia.gov.au and my.gov.au. If the URL you are on does not have gov.au in its URL, then it’s likely a fake website.
Never give out your credit card or bank account information to anyone, including websites you don’t know or trust.
If you or someone else has been a victim of a scam, report it on ScamWatch.gov.au.
For more information on fake information about Centrelink Payments, head to the Services Australia website here.
The Australian Women’s Weekly
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