The media has reported that a new e-mail scam doing the rounds is targeted at Australians who have online myGov accounts.

Scammers have set up a clone of the myGov website to trick users into sharing their login and bank account details.

The scam starts with a phishing email that looks like it is from Medicare, asking users to update their Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) details, so they can start receiving payments for Medicare benefits and claims. If users click on the link in the email they are taken to a replica of the real myGov website.

If users look closely the URL of the website includes ‘.net’ instead of ‘.gov.au’, which is an indication the website is not a legitimate Australian Government domain. (Refer to the image above this article.)

If users input their login details they are directed to also enter their secret security question and answer, before they're taken to the fake Medicare website to input their bank account details.

These e-mails and web pages feature myGov and Medicare design and branding, making them appear legitimate.

Clicking on the link and sharing personal details gives these scammers access to personal information, which they then use to steal the individual's money and identity!

We recommend that you warn your families about this scam by sharing the Stay Smart Online website article here.

You may also like to share this media article about the scam with your families.

If you know someone who has been scammed, there are steps they can take immediately to limit the damage and protect themselves further from loss. Visit the Scamwatch website here for more information