HAVE you received an email claiming and looking to be from Medicare? If so, be warned: it’s a scam.
The scam starts with a “phishing” email that looks like it is from Medicare, asking you to update your electronic funds transfer (EFT) details so you can begin receiving payments for Medicare benefits claims.
If you click on the link you are taken to a replica of the real myGov website (note: the URL includes .net instead of .gov.au – an indication the website is not a legitimate Australian Government domain).
Anyone entering their login details will be directed to also enter their secret security question and answer before being taken to the fake Medicare website to input their bank account details.
The emails and web pages feature myGov and Medicare design and branding, making them appear legitimate.
Clicking on the link and sharing your details gives these scammers access to your personal information, which they then use to steal your money and identity.
How to stay safe
HERE are some simple tips to help you avoid an email scam:
DO NOT click on links in emails or text messages claiming to be from myGov or Medicare. myGov will never sent you a text, email or attachment with hyperlinks or web addresses.
DO NOT open messages if you don’t know the sender, or if you’re not expecting them.
BE SUSPICIOUS of messages that aren’t addressed directly to you, or don’t use your correct name.
LOGIN to your official myGov account by typing the web address into your browser to check your inbox for any legitimate emails from Medicare.
YOU can also contact the organisation separately to see if it has sent the message.
Need help?
IF YOU are concerned your personal information has been compromised and misused, contact Australia’s National Identity and Cyber Support Service IDCare or use its free Cyber First Aid Kit.
If you have been a victim of a cybercrime such as fraud, report it to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network.
For more about how to protect yourself from email scams HERE
READ MORE: ACCC warns of fake billing scams