Welfare fraud
You could be committing welfare fraud if you:
- choose not to update your details when they change
- are dishonest in order to get a payment.
If you deliberately give us the wrong information to claim a payment, this could mean:
- you end up with a debt
- you lose your payment
- we refer you for prosecution
- you may get a criminal record or even a prison sentence.
Doing the right thing is easy. Tell us about any changes to your circumstances.
If your Centrelink online account is linked to myGov, sign in and regularly check your information is up to date.
It is never too late to report a change. By telling us about any changes today, we can help make sure you get the correct payment.
How we target welfare fraud
We take welfare fraud seriously. We use advanced technology, including matching data with other agencies, to help identify people who are not being honest.
If we suspect you have committed fraud, we may contact you.
Taskforce Integrity is a joint taskforce between Services Australia and the Australian Federal Police. The aim of the taskforce is to strengthen our ability to address suspected welfare fraud in Australia.
Read more about Taskforce Integrity.
If you suspect welfare fraud
You can help us by reporting suspected fraud. If you suspect someone is committing welfare fraud, you can anonymously report them.
Read more about reporting fraud.