Health care updates and digital health record migrations across Queensland have unfortunately given rise to a fresh wave of phishing scams. Retirees are receiving official-looking SMS messages claiming their “Medicare record requires immediate re-verification” or that a “QLD Health appointment needs to be confirmed via a link.”
How the Scam Works
The text message contains a link to a website designed to look identical to the official MyGov or Medicare login page. Once you enter your username, password, or banking details, the scammers harvest your information to commit identity theft or drain bank accounts.
How to Protect Yourself
- Government agencies won’t text you direct login links: Neither Medicare nor MyGov will send an SMS asking you to click a link to log in or update bank details.
- Go directly to the source: If you receive a text about a medical record or appointment, close the message, open your web browser, and log into MyGov directly—or call your doctor’s office on their known phone number.
