Watch Out For Fake Medicare Update Emails
The original site is no longer online; links go to the Internet Archive copy.
What the fact-checkers found
Australian residents should watch out for fake emails claiming that they need to update their Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) details to allow future Medicare payments.
The seemingly official emails include the Australian Government and Medicare logos. They ask you to click a link that supposedly opens the Australian Government online services website MyGov.
However, the emails are not from the Department of Human Services or Medicare as claimed.
Here’s what the scam emails look like:
Links in the emails open a fake MyGov website that is designed to steal your personal and financial information.
If you click on the link or button in the email, you will be taken to a website that looks almost identical to the genuine MyGov sign in page. Once on the fake site, you will be asked to sign in with your username and password.
Next, you will be asked to supply your secret security question and answer.
You will then be taken to a fake Medicare update form that asks you to supply your bank account details including your online banking username and password.
The scammers can collect the information you supply and use it to hijack your bank account and commit fraudulent transactions.
They can also break into your account on the genuine MyGov website, change your details, and collect your personal information. Armed with the information they have gathered about you, they may then be able to steal your identity.
Always login to your MyGov account by entering the address into your browser’s address bar. Never click on supposed MyGov links in emails or text messages.
If you use MyGov, it is wise to configure your account to use security codes as an extra layer of protection. Once set up, a single-use security code will be sent to your mobile phone when you try to log in.
The Australian Government’s Stay Smart Online website is warning people about this scam campaign here.
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