The Department of Social Services (DSS) has warned the public to be wary of phone scammers falsely representing the Department.
In a statement, the DSS said it had recently received reports that members of the public had been contacted via phone and social media by an individual or individuals offering Government grant funding.
“Some members of the public have reported that the individuals claimed they were from the ‘Department of Social Services’, ‘Australian Grants Commission’ or the ‘Australian Government Grant Department’,” the Department said.
“Instructions were provided to a member of the public on how to access their grant funding, which included paying a fee.”
The DSS said these claims were false and the individuals did not represent the DSS or the Commonwealth.
“DSS officers do not cold call members of the public to promise grant funding or contact members of the public seeking personal information, such as bank details, passport or license numbers,” the Department said.
“It is a serious matter to impersonate a Commonwealth public official,” it said.
“It may even be a criminal offence carrying a penalty of imprisonment in some circumstances.”
The DSS said anyone approached in this manner should not give any personal information.
“If you are uncomfortable with the nature of the call or approach, simply hang up,” the Department said.
“We encourage you to report incidents of this nature,” it said.
