Neal warns of email scam

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal has warned local residents to be vigilant in giving out personal and banking information following reports of a Centrelink email scam.

"These emails are a scam perpetrated by unscrupulous individuals who prey on people's trust," Ms Neal said.

"The hoaxers suggest that to receive payments under the Federal Government's Household Stimulus Package (including the recently announced bonuses of up $950), people need to provide personal and bank account details.

"This is not a Centrelink request but a fake, designed to con innocent people."

Ms Neal said Centrelink already has the information it needs to complete the one-off bonus payments, which will be paid directly into people's bank accounts from March.

"Centrelink never asks for personal or bank details via email," Ms Neal said.

"Anyone who receives an email like this should delete it immediately.

"Don't open any of the email attachments or links and don't reply to it."

Ms Neal said anyone who had already disclosed their personal information in reply to such an email should contact Centrelink immediately on 1800 050 004.

Press release, 20 Feb 2009 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson