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 objective of the Modern Slavery grant opportunity is to provide funding to not-for-profit non government organisations to deliver community-based projects to prevent and deter modern slavery-related crimes in Australia. View grant
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The Traceability Grants Program – Round 1 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
This Grant will deliver the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program, which aims to support the role of ex-service organisation (ESO) pension and welfare practitioners and advocates, who provide advice and assistance to the veteran and defence communities. View grant
The Department of Agriculture (the department) purpose is to work with national and international governments and industry partners to grow the value of agricultural trade and reduce risk to the agricultural sector. View grant
The Australian Government is inviting local councils via a restricted competitive process to apply to deliver projects under the Communities Combating Pests and Weed Impacts During Drought Program - Biosecurity Manage View grant