Fake government / visa SMS
Fake Home Affairs / myGov texts targeting new arrivals.
How it works
An SMS claims your visa is under review and asks you to confirm details via a link. The page steals your passport number and identity info.
Common scenarios to watch for
This scam shows up in several different shapes. Recognise the pattern, not just one message.
ImmiAccount 'verification' SMS
Looks exactly like Home Affairs. The link goes to a clone of ImmiAccount that captures your login, passport number and visa grant number.
"Home Affairs: please verify your ImmiAccount within 24h to avoid visa cancellation: immi-verify.online"
Red flags to spot
- Does the SMS link not point to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or my.gov.au?
- Is the page asking for your ImmiAccount password and SMS code?
- Are you being threatened with visa cancellation for not acting immediately?
- Did the message arrive without any prior correspondence from Home Affairs?
Bridging-visa fee scam
An SMS claims your bridging visa needs an urgent fee. Real bridging visas attached to a substantive application are usually free.
"Bridging visa A: outstanding charge $349. Pay within 48h to avoid status loss: payvisa-au.co"
Red flags to spot
- Are you being asked to pay a fee for a bridging visa?
- Does the URL not match any official government domain?
- Is the fee described as urgent with a short deadline?
- Can you verify the charge directly in your real ImmiAccount?
Citizenship-ceremony scheduling fee
After approval, scammers offer to 'book' your ceremony for a fee. Ceremonies are free and scheduled by your council.
"Congratulations — your citizenship is approved. Pay $189 to lock in your ceremony date: citizenshipbook.com"
Red flags to spot
- Are you being asked to pay to schedule a citizenship ceremony?
- Does the website or message not come from your local council?
- Is the fee arbitrary and not mentioned in official correspondence?
- Can you verify ceremony details through your official ImmiAccount?
Red flags
- 🚩Link that is not my.gov.au or immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- 🚩Asks for passport, visa grant number or payment
- 🚩Generic greeting ('Dear applicant')
What to do
- 1Log into ImmiAccount directly — never via a link.
- 2Report to Scamwatch and Home Affairs.
- 3Delete the message.
Who's targeted
- Visa applicants, especially students and 485 graduate visa holders.
- Migrants from regions where Home Affairs branding isn't familiar.
Why it works
- Anxiety about visa status overrides URL checking.
- Lookalike domains and government-style design pass a quick glance.
Common variations
Different shapes of the same scam — recognise the pattern.
- 1'Visa under review' SMS linking to a fake immi page.
- 2WhatsApp 'case officer' demanding documents and a fee.
- 3Fake biometrics appointment requiring a 'booking fee'.
If you've already been scammed
- 1Log into ImmiAccount directly to confirm your real visa status.
- 2If you shared passport details, contact IDCARE to lock down your identity.
- 3Report to Scamwatch and Home Affairs.
Frequently asked
Will Home Affairs SMS me?▾
Rarely, and never with a payment link. Check ImmiAccount instead.
I gave them my passport number — what now?▾
Monitor your myGov and credit file; contact IDCARE for help.
Can my visa be cancelled because of this?▾
Not for being a victim. But unregistered 'agent' lodgements can cause real refusals.
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