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.
Examples of recent Scams
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 Traceability Grants Program – Round 2 provides opportunities for successful applicants to conduct projects that will enhance the supply chain traceability systems and arrangements that support the export of our agricultural commodities. View grant
The program aims to improve access for industry-identified priority uses of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals. View grant
The Women’s Leadership and Development Program (WLDP) Project Grants grant opportunity supports projects that achieve tangible improvements in outcomes linked to the achievement of all, one, or a combination of the key priority areas of the WLDP. View grant
The Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis supports the government’s strategic advancement of biosecurity risk analysis by providing expertise in risk analysis techniques and the development of associated methods, protocols, tools and procedures. View grant
The Australian Biological Resources Study’s National Taxonomy Research Grant Program provides grants for research into taxonomy and systematics and to support the training and/or recruitment of taxonomists View grant
From 1 April 2021, the DECoS program will provide funding for supports and services that enable current Disability Employment Assistance (DEA) clients (supported employees) who are confirmed ineligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to participate in and retain employment. View grant