Is this text or email from myGov a scam?
Government agencies are a favourite scam disguise, and myGov 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 myGov 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 myGov message from a fake.
Genuine myGov links only ever go to my.gov.au, servicesaustralia.gov.au. Below is exactly what a real myGov 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 myGov message looks like
Genuine SMS from myGov typically arrive under the sender ID myGov, and real links only ever go to my.gov.au, servicesaustralia.gov.au.
- SMS messages appear from the exact sender ID myGov
- Emails are sent only from @my.gov.au or @servicesaustralia.gov.au addresses
- Notifications direct users to open the official myGov app or manually type my.gov.au into a browser
- Messages reference specific existing claims or services already linked to the recipient’s myGov account
- No myGov message ever contains a clickable login link in SMS
Crucially, myGov will never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or an urgent bank transfer, or threaten you with immediate arrest or deportation.
Common myGov scams
- SMS claiming Centrelink payments or myGov access has been suspended and urging an immediate login via a supplied link
- Emails from lookalike domains such as my-gov.au or mygov-au.com that mimic the myGov login page
- Messages threatening account lockout or loss of tax records unless the recipient clicks the link and verifies details
Red flags to watch for
- The domain shown is my-gov.au, mygov-au.com or login-mygov.com instead of exactly my.gov.au
- The message contains a clickable link asking you to log in or verify your myGov details
- Urgent language about suspended access, blocked payments or immediate action required
- The SMS or email asks for your myGov password, security code or bank details
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating myGov, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
myGov: Your access has been suspended. To restore your account and view your payments, log in now: https://my-gov.au/secure-login
What gives it away:
- The domain shown is my-gov.au, mygov-au.com or login-mygov.com instead of exactly my.gov.au
- The message contains a clickable link asking you to log in or verify your myGov details
- Urgent language about suspended access, blocked payments or immediate action required
- The SMS or email asks for your myGov password, security code or bank details
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious myGov text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from myGov
- Open the official myGov app or manually type my.gov.au into your browser
- Use the myGov inbox inside your verified account at my.gov.au to check messages
Where to report a scam impersonating myGov
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating myGov? 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 myGov with a link — is it a scam?
Yes. myGov never sends SMS login links. If you receive one, delete it and manually type my.gov.au yourself.
How can I tell if a myGov email is real?
Check the sender address ends exactly with @my.gov.au or @servicesaustralia.gov.au and never contains hyphens or extra words. Never click links; log in by typing the address yourself.
What should I do if I clicked a suspicious myGov link?
Change your myGov password immediately from my.gov.au, monitor your linked services, and report the message at scamwatch.gov.au.
Where do I report a fake myGov SMS?
Forward the message to 7226 and also report it at scamwatch.gov.au or cyber.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating myGov 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 myGov through an official channel.