MyGov Scam Emails - How to Protect Yourself

Common myGov Scam Tactics

• Account suspension threats: Claims that your myGov account is permanently locked or deactivated due to "suspicious activity".
• Fake tax refunds: Offers of immediate payouts or tax returns, which peak significantly during tax season.
• Secure message notifications: Phishing templates impersonating Medicare or Centrelink communications that request you to click a link to view your mailbox.
• Urgent action requests: Messages creating a false sense of urgency to force you into acting without thinking.

How to Spot a Fake myGov Email

• Contains web links: Real myGov notifications simply tell you to log in to your official dashboard manually; they never provide clickable links.
• Suspicious sender domains: The email address may look legitimate at first glance, but checking the header reveals a non-government domain.
• Generic greetings: The message rarely addresses you by your actual full legal name.
• Requests for sensitive info: Seeking your Tax File Number (TFN), passport scans, or one-time SMS codes.

Immediate Actions to Take

1. Do not click: Avoid clicking any links, downloading files, or calling numbers listed in the message.
2. Access myGov safely: Go directly to the official myGov Website by typing my.gov.au into your browser, or open the official myGov app.
3. Report the scam: Forward the suspicious email to the official Services Australia reporting address at reportascam@servicesaustralia.gov.au.
4. Secure your account: If you entered details, immediately call the Services Australia Scams and Identity Theft Help Desk at 1800 941 126