{"id":368960,"date":"2026-02-04T18:17:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T08:17:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=368960"},"modified":"2026-02-04T18:47:56","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T08:47:56","slug":"watch-out-for-scammers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2026\/02\/04\/watch-out-for-scammers\/","title":{"rendered":"Watch Out For Scammers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Attorney-General Deb Frecklington<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

February 4, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Member for Nanango, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington, is warning South Burnett residents to be alert for scam messages claiming to come from Members of Parliament.<\/p>\n

The Queensland Parliament has become aware of scammers contacting Queenslanders by text message and email while falsely claiming to be their local MP.<\/p>\n

These scammers use photographs of MPs as profile images to create legitimacy and then offer a fraudulent \u201cwelfare payment\u201d.<\/p>\n

The scammers typically:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> Begin with a personal detail.<\/strong> They reference something specific about the individual (eg. a change in family circumstances, employment status, living arrangements or childcare). This is designed to build trust.<\/p>\n

2. Offer a fake welfare cash payment.<\/strong> They claim that the constituent qualifies for financial support and request bank account details so the payment can be \u201cprocessed\u201d.<\/p>\n

3.<\/strong> Demand an upfront payment.<\/strong> The scammer states that a cash payment or gift card is required before the welfare payment can be released.<\/p>\n

4.<\/strong> Request further payments.<\/strong> In many cases, once the first payment is made, the scammer continues to request additional payments over several months.<\/p>\n

These scams can be difficult to stop due to their targeted and personalised nature. Education and awareness remain the most effective protection.<\/p>\n

To protect yourself:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> Understand the role of Members of Parliament<\/strong>. MPs are not allocated welfare funds to distribute to constituents. MPs do not send unsolicited messages offering financial assistance.<\/p>\n

2<\/strong>. Verify any unusual contact<\/strong>. If you receive a message claiming to be from your MP, contact their Electorate Office directly using the official contact list<\/a> <\/strong>to confirm any such interactions, no matter how much the caller protests that it is not necessary. Office staff will appreciate your caution.<\/p>\n

3<\/strong>. Limit personal information online<\/strong>. Be mindful of the information you share publicly. Scammers often use social media details to tailor their approach.<\/p>\n

4<\/strong>. Review and update your privacy settings<\/strong>.\u00a0 Ensure your accounts only share personal information with trusted contacts:<\/p>\n