Those who have already been targeted by the scam have received phishing emails claiming to be from Medicare urging them to update their EFT details for MyGov payments by following a provided link. The link takes users to an identical version of the MyGov page that feeds any and all details entered straight back to the people who built the copycat scamming website.
The URL for the scamming website even looks legitimate, appearing as mygovau.net – however the real URL for MyGov is my.gov.au.
The MyGov website handles numerous government services such as Medicare, Centrelink and the Australian Taxation Office.
Local internet security authority Stay Smart Online has issued a warning about the scam on their website, along with suggestions on how to stay safe online.
- Do not click on links in emails or text messages claiming to be from myGov or Medicare. myGov will never send you a text, email or attachment with hyperlinks or web addresses.
- Don’t 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 check if they have sent the message.
Stay Smart Online also recommend that anyone who suspects their details have been stolen for nefarious purposes to contact Australia’s National Identity and Cyber Support Service IDCare or use their free Cyber First Aid Kit
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