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Medicare Australia

Report Fraud

Each year millions of dollars of taxpayers' money is lost due to fraud against health and welfare services and payments.

The Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off Line provides people with a place to report suspected fraud against Centrelink, Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or the Child Support Agency.

Most people are honest and use Government services fairly, but if you have information about someone misusing these services, please contact us.

You can remain anonymous, and the information you provide will assist in ensuring the services support those who really need them.

Call the Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off Line on 13 15 24.

What is fraud?

Fraud is dishonestly obtaining a benefit by deception or other means.

Examples of suspected fraud against Medicare Australia programs

  • making Medicare claims for services that were not provided
  • using someone else's Medicare card
  • using an invalid concession card
  • forging prescriptions for PBS items
  • making PBS claims for pharmaceutical benefits that were not provided
  • swapping PBS prescription items for other pharmacy items or goods
  • taking or sending PBS medicine overseas that is not for your personal use or the personal use of someone travelling with you.

How to report suspected fraud against Medicare Australia programs

You can report suspected fraud by:

You are under no obligation to provide your name when giving us information.

Other fraud reporting channels available

Centrelink: If you suspect that fraud is being committed against any Centrelink assistance programs please visit CentrelinkExternal link.

Child Support Agency: If you suspect that fraud is being committed in relation to child support please visit Child Support AgencyExternal link.

Privacy note

The information you provide may be used to identify suspected fraud. Medicare Australia may need to contact medical practitioners, pharmacists, health care workers or consumers for clarification of this information. Some information obtained may be released to the Department of Health and Ageing, Centrelink, the Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs or as authorised/required by law for compliance purposes. The collection of the information on this form is authorised by the Health Insurance Act 1973, National Health Act 1953 and under Regulations 3 and 3E of the Medicare Australia regulations 1975.

Freedom of information

It is Medicare Australia’s policy to keep your identity confidential. However, Medicare Australia is subject to the Freedom Of Information Act 1982 and any individual may seek access to documents held by Medicare Australia. Therefore it is possible that the information you provide may be released.

Our site has additional information about our freedom of information and privacy and security policies.

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Last updated: 28 May, 2008

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