Is this text or email from Medicare a scam?
Government agencies are a favourite scam disguise, and Medicare is one of the names scammers hide behind most — a message about a fine, refund or account problem makes people act fast. A text, email or call that looks like it's from Medicare can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real Medicare message from a fake.
Genuine Medicare links only ever go to servicesaustralia.gov.au, my.gov.au. Below is exactly what a real Medicare message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real Medicare message looks like
Genuine SMS from Medicare typically arrive under the sender ID Medicare or myGov, and real links only ever go to servicesaustralia.gov.au, my.gov.au.
- Genuine Medicare or myGov SMS messages use the exact sender IDs Medicare or myGov
- Official messages direct you to log in at my.gov.au or servicesaustralia.gov.au using your existing myGov account
- Medicare never sends SMS or email links asking you to renew, replace or verify a Medicare card
- Any genuine contact about your Medicare number or card will appear inside your myGov inbox or secure message centre after you have logged in
- Medicare will never ask you to pay a fee to receive or replace a physical Medicare card
Crucially, Medicare will never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or an urgent bank transfer, or threaten you with immediate arrest or deportation.
Common Medicare scams
- SMS claiming your Medicare card is about to expire and urging you to click a link to order a new one
- Calls or texts stating your Medicare number has been used fraudulently and directing you to a fake login page
- Messages warning that your Medicare benefits will stop unless you confirm your details on an attached or linked form
Red flags to watch for
- The message contains a shortened or unfamiliar link instead of directing you to type servicesaustralia.gov.au or my.gov.au yourself
- It demands immediate action or threatens loss of benefits or card access
- The sender ID looks similar but is not exactly Medicare or myGov
- The message asks for your Medicare number, bank details or payment to reissue a card
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Medicare, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Medicare: Your Medicare card expires in 7 days. Renew now: https://medicare-card-renewal.net/au to keep using your benefits.
What gives it away:
- The message contains a shortened or unfamiliar link instead of directing you to type servicesaustralia.gov.au or my.gov.au yourself
- It demands immediate action or threatens loss of benefits or card access
- The sender ID looks similar but is not exactly Medicare or myGov
- The message asks for your Medicare number, bank details or payment to reissue a card
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Medicare text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Medicare
- Update Medicare details through your myGov account linked to Medicare
- Call Medicare on 132 011
Where to report a scam impersonating Medicare
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Medicare? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I got a text from Medicare with a link — is it a scam?
Yes if it asks you to click to renew or verify your card. Medicare does not send links in SMS; log in yourself at my.gov.au to check any messages.
How do I know if a Medicare message is real?
Real Medicare and myGov messages use the exact sender IDs Medicare or myGov, never ask for payment or card details via SMS, and only appear after you log into your myGov account at my.gov.au.
What should I do if I clicked a fake Medicare link?
Change your myGov password immediately, monitor your Medicare and myGov accounts for unusual activity, and report the message at scamwatch.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Medicare usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other government names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Medicare through an official channel.