CENTRELINK has launched a dedicated helpline to assist clients who have fallen victim to fraud and identity theft.
The Department of Human Services received more than 1270 calls in the past six months from people who had been targeted.
The launch of the helpline serves as a timely reminder to all welfare recipients about the need to remain vigilant when contacted asking for money or personal information such as bank account details.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch service received almost 33,000 reports of threat-based impersonation scams in 2017.
Over $4.7m was reported lost and more than 2800 people gave out their personal information.
The methods used by scammers are many and varied and include contacting people by phone, email, text messages or even through social media accounts.
The helpline number is 1800 941 126 and is only open to Centrelink clients who are currently receiving a welfare payment.
Visit humanservices.gov.au/scams for more information.
