Government’s travel agent grants scheme comes under attack by scammers

Cyber attack using the phishing technique. Digital illustration.

Travel agents who have applied for a federal government grant under its sector-specific support scheme have been warned to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

According to an update issued last week on the Austrade website, there have been reports of “phishing attacks and other scams” regarding the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program.

“These include calls, emails or voicemail messages to travel agents saying that they are being pursued for fraud by Services Australia or Austrade,” the update said.

“If you have any suspicion that something is a scam, contact the Services Australia Scams and Identify Theft Helpdesk on 1800 941 126 or reportascam@servicesaustralia.gov.au. Services Australia staff can offer support and advice on what steps to take following a scam.

“If in doubt, contact the Services Australia Helpdesk. Never provide your user credentials or personal details and never click on a link to see where it goes.”

More than $61 million has been paid to nearly 1,600 businesses under the grants scheme, with a further 1,010 claims currently being processed, according to Tourism Minister Dan Tehan.

He has been urging agents to keep applying for a grant until applications close on 13 March 2021.


Featured image source: iStock/Andreus

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]