If you’ve recently come across posts or messages online promising a Centrelink payout ranging from $391 to $1,561 on 1 October 2025, you’re not alone. Honestly, these claims have been spreading like wildfire across social media, text messages, and even email inboxes. But here’s the catch – it’s not real. It’s a scam.
Yes, you read that right. There is no official confirmation from Services Australia or Centrelink regarding such a payment. And yet, scammers are using these false claims to trick people into sharing personal details, banking information, or even clicking on dodgy links. So, let’s break this down properly.
Why This Scam Is Making Headlines
Well, for starters, people are feeling the pinch. With rising living costs, energy bills climbing, and everyday groceries not exactly getting cheaper, the mere mention of a Centrelink bonus payment gets attention. Scammers know this very well.
By claiming that people could be entitled to payments between $391 and $1,561, they hook into financial stress and hope that curiosity (or desperation) will make you click a link or call a fake number. And let’s be real – sometimes when times are tough, even the most cautious among us can slip.
The Anatomy of the Scam
Here’s how these scams usually play out:
- Fake Messages – You might get a text, email, or even a Facebook post saying, “New Centrelink payment available. Claim your $1,561 before 1 October 2025.”
- Suspicious Links – The message often includes a dodgy link that looks like the real Services Australia website but is slightly altered. Maybe a hyphen, maybe an extra letter.
- Personal Information Requests – Once you click through, the scam site asks for your Centrelink login, bank account details, or even copies of ID.
- Financial Theft – And sadly, if you hand over these details, scammers can access your accounts, steal your money, or commit identity fraud.
Official Word from Services Australia
Services Australia has made it crystal clear:
- No such payment is scheduled for 1 October 2025.
- They will never ask you to click a random link or provide login details via email or text.
- If you are eligible for any legitimate Centrelink payment, it will show up in your MyGov account or you’ll be directly informed through official channels.
So, if something sounds too good to be true, especially in a text message, it probably is.
Quick Tips to Stay Safe
- Check MyGov directly – Never trust links in messages. Log in yourself.
- Don’t share personal details – Centrelink will never ask for sensitive info through texts or emails.
- Look closely at links – Scammers love tiny spelling mistakes in URLs.
- Report scams – If you get one of these messages, you can report it to Scamwatch or Services Australia.
- Warn others – Honestly, sometimes sharing the warning with family and friends is the best defence.
Comparison Table – Real vs Scam
| Feature | Real Centrelink Payments | Scam Messages |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement Source | Official Centrelink / Services Australia website | Social media, texts, or emails from unknown senders |
| Payment Amount | Clearly outlined (fixed and documented) | Random ranges like $391–$1,561 |
| Access Point | MyGov account, official app, official letters | Suspicious links, fake websites |
| Personal Information | Already stored securely in your account | Asked repeatedly via fake sites |
| Payment Confirmation | Viewable directly on MyGov | Not verifiable anywhere official |
To be fair, scams targeting Centrelink recipients aren’t new. Every few months, there’s a fresh version circulating, often tied to upcoming dates or fabricated “government bonuses.” The sad reality is that scammers prey on vulnerable groups, particularly pensioners, low-income households, and people already relying on support payments.
On the flip side, the more these scams get exposed, the less successful they become. That’s why spreading the word matters.
So next time you see a flashy message about an unexpected Centrelink bonus, take a deep breath. Double-check. And remember – genuine support will always come from official channels only.
FAQs
1. Is there really a Centrelink payment of $391–$1,561 on 1 October 2025?
No, it’s a scam. Services Australia has confirmed no such payment exists.
2. How do I check if a Centrelink payment is real?
Always log into your MyGov account or visit the official Services Australia website.
3. What should I do if I clicked a scam link?
Change your MyGov and bank passwords immediately and contact your bank. Report the scam to Scamwatch.
4. Can scammers access my Centrelink account with just my email?
Not directly, but if you also gave them your password or personal details, they could. Always keep login details safe.
5. Who do I contact to report a Centrelink scam?
Report to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) or Services Australia’s fraud reporting line.