The myGov scam that every Aussie needs to know about – here’s how to make sure you don’t get caught out
- MyGov email scam is targeting thousands of Australians
- Email pretends to be from the government offering refunds
- But instead criminal scammers steal your bank details
A dangerous new email scam that appears as if it’s from the Federal Government has sparked a warning for Australians.
Fake myGov emails claim to offering ‘outstanding refunds’ in the subject line, enticing readers to open the message.
Although the sender name says myGov, the first hint the site is a scam is through its website address, which doesn’t match the official one.
The email comes from a fake website, but asks readers to enter personal details for a refund. Picture: MailGuard
The body of the email addresses the ‘customers’ and goes on to explain that the reader has an outstanding refund of $640.98 – or a similar amount – available from myGov.
There is a link to accept the payment online, which takes the reader to a fake login page where they are prompted to enter their username and password.
They are then asked to provide their full name, address, phone number, credit card information and CVV number.
‘These details will again be stolen by the criminal and will likely be used for their personal financial gain or sold on the dark web,’ a statement from MailGuard, an email security software company, said.
The scam poses as an official myGov email and prompts users to log into their account
Receivers are then asked to enter a code allegedly sent through to their mobile – which are typically used to verify credit card payments.
Anyone who receives the suspicious email is urged not to supply any personal information, or face losing their personal data to cyber criminals on the dark web.
myGov said it would never send a hyperlink requesting data through email or SMS.
‘myGov is delivered by Services Australia,’ the government agency said.
‘Always access myGov by typing in the web address yourself.
The scammers then prompt you to enter credit card details to receive the refund – but instead will simply steal your bank details
They scammers even have a page saying it will send a confirmation code to your phone – mimicking official processes
‘Services Australia and myGov will never send you an email or text message asking for your username, password, myGov PIN, secret questions and answers, personal details.’
The agency said any messages in your myGov inbox once you are signed in to your account are safe and secure.
‘It’s safe to open links included in myGov Inbox messages.’
MailGuard said anyone who receives the suspicious email should delete it immediately without clicking on the links.
An email should be treated as suspicious if it:
– does not address you by name or omits personal details a real company would normally include
– appear to be from a legitimate company but has a poor use of English
– are from businesses that you wouldn’t expect to hear from
– take you to a new page or website that is not a legitimate URL of the business
Anyone who is concerned by potential scam emails can speak to MailGuard on 1300 30 44 30.
If supplied, the information will go to cyber criminals for illegal use – and could see your account wiped
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