Text message scam · myGov
myGov Text Scam: Any myGov Text With a Link Is Fake
Reported September 2026
Scam texts pretending to be myGov offer refunds, payments or account fixes through a link. Genuine myGov texts never contain a link.
What the scam looks like
Services Australia lists text messages pretending to be from myGov as an active scam. They come in several versions, all with a link. They might say:
- your account details are wrong and need updating
- a subsidy, refund, cost of living payment or rebate is waiting for you to claim
- your myGov account will be suspended or frozen unless you act
- there was a change to your account, and you should click if it wasn’t you
- you should scan a QR code to sign in
The link goes to a fake myGov website that steals your sign in and personal details.
What to watch out for
- Any link in a text claiming to be from myGov. myGov only texts to tell you there’s a new message in your myGov Inbox.
- Offers of money, or threats to your account, that need quick action.
- QR codes in messages asking you to sign in.
What to do
- Don’t click the link or scan the QR code. Delete the message and block the sender.
- Sign in only by typing my.gov.au into your browser, or through the official myGov app.
- If you clicked the link or shared details, call the Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk on 1800 941 126.
Where to report it
- Email a screenshot of the text, including the link, to reportascam@servicesaustralia.gov.au.
- Report it to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
Sources
- Services Australia, myGov text message link scams (September 2026)
We summarise official warnings in our own words, and never reproduce the links in scam messages. If something here looks wrong, tell us.