Centrelink advising customers to be wary of hoax calls.

Centrelink Call Center / Image: Centrelink

Centrelink and Medicare are warning customers to be wary of hoax calls from people pretending to be from the either of the agencies offering cash and holiday prizes.

Human Services Portfolio General Manager Hank Jongen said Medicare Australia has recently received reports of suspicious phone calls from a man claiming to work for Medicare Australia.

“He’s phoned several women that we’re aware of, offering cash and holiday prizes as rewards for participating in a survey,” Mr Jongen said.

“He’s then proceeded to ask these women intimate and inappropriate questions,” he said.

Mr Jongen also said there have been reports of callers who have posed as Centrelink staff members trying to obtain personal details from customers.

“If you’re unsure of whether it really is Medicare or Centrelink calling you, simply hang up and call us on your regular contact number to verify, Mr Jongen said.

“If you suspect a possible identity fraud phone scam has occurred, I encourage you to report any details like the phone number, time, date, gender and accent to the Australian Government’s designated fraud tip-off line on 13 15 24,” he said.