The Department of Social Services (DSS) has recently received reports that members of the public have been contacted via phone and social media, by an individual or individuals offering government grant funding.
Some members of the public have reported the individuals claimed they were from the ‘Department of Social Services’, ‘Australian Grants Commission’ or the ‘Australian Government Grant Department’. Instructions were provided to the member of public on how to access their grant funding, which included paying a fee.
These claims are false and these individuals do not represent DSS or the Commonwealth.
DSS officers do not:
It is a serious matter to impersonate a Commonwealth public official. It may even be a criminal offence carrying a penalty of imprisonment in some circumstances.
If approached in this manner, do not give any personal information. If you are uncomfortable with the nature of the call or approach, simply hang up.
We encourage you to report incidents of this nature. You can visit Scamwatch on www.scamwatch.gov.au to report to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and you can contact the DSS fraud reporting hotline on 1800 133 611.
If you contact DSS in the first instance, we will obtain as many details as possible from you about the incident, including your contact details. If appropriate, DSS will refer it to the police or other relevant authority including the ACCC.
If you have already provided information to a caller or are concerned that a crime has or may be committed, please immediately contact the police, your bank or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) if it relates to your passport details.
The National Environmental Science Program (NESP) 2 will deliver applied scientific knowledge, decision tools and practical management options to support environmental commitments made by all levels of Government and other end-users. View grant
The Individual Capacity Building Program aims to enable systematic, nationwide access to peer support, mentoring and other skills building for people with disability, carers and families. View grant
Volunteer Grants aim to support the efforts of Australia’s volunteers. The grants provide small amounts of money that organisations and community groups can use to help their volunteers. The grants form part of the Government’s work to support volunteers, as well as to encourage and increase participation in volunteering. View grant
The Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program aims to preserve Australia’s wartime heritage and to involve people throughout the nation in a range of projects and activities that highlight the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations. View grant