Most NDIS providers do the right thing. But scams and unfair offers do happen. Knowing the warning signs can protect you and your funding. This guide is for participants, carers and workers.
Scams that pretend to be the NDIS
Scammers often pretend to be the NDIA or another government agency. The NDIS says common ones include:
- Fake debt calls. Someone says your plan has a debt. They threaten to cut off your NDIS unless you give bank, address or Medicare details. The NDIS says it will never call and threaten to cancel your access because of a debt.
- Phishing texts and emails. Messages with links that ask you to log in or "confirm your details". The link may steal your passwords or put a virus on your device.
- Urgency. "Act now or lose your plan." Scammers want you to act before you think.
If you get a message like this, do not click links or call numbers in the message. Look up the NDIS contact details yourself.
Fake invoices
Another common trick is a fake invoice. It looks like it is from a provider you know. But it asks you to pay into a different bank account.
Before you pay:
- Call the provider on a number you already have.
- Ask if they sent the invoice.
- Check the bank details match what you had before.
- Tell your plan manager if you have one.
If they did not send it, report it.
Inducements and unfair offers
An inducement is a benefit offered to win you or keep you as a client. It might be a gift card, a free device, cash, a discount or a prize.
The NDIS Commission's worker guidance says people with disability, their families, carers and advocates should never be required or expected to give extras to influence decisions or service delivery. That includes extra fees, goods, food and favours. Workers should also avoid giving or accepting gifts from other providers in exchange for referrals.
Small thank-you gifts, like a card or a box of chocolates, may be okay in some cases. A big offer to make you sign up is a red flag.
Read more in NDIS Code of Conduct in plain English.
Other red flags
Be careful if someone:
- says they are "NDIS approved". The NDIS does not approve providers in that way. See how to check if an NDIS provider is registered.
- asks for your NDIS login, myGov password or PIN
- asks you to sign blank forms
- wants you to "use up" leftover funding on things you do not need
- offers to claim for services that did not happen
- asks you to pay cash or up front for NDIS-funded supports
- promises more funding if you pay them
- pushes you to switch providers quickly
- contacts you out of the blue about your plan
- will not give a written service agreement
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Using your funding for things that are not real can be fraud, and it can hurt you.
What to do if you've been caught out
Do not feel ashamed. Scammers are good at this. Act quickly.
- Contact your bank. Ask if the payment can be stopped or recovered.
- Change passwords. Start with your email, then myGov and other accounts.
- Check your NDIS records. Look for payments or changes you did not make.
- Report it. See below.
- Tell someone you trust. A friend, carer, support coordinator or advocate.
- Keep evidence. Save messages, emails and invoices.
Where to report
- NDIS Fraud Reporting and Scams Helpline: 1800 650 717. You can also use the online tip-off form. After you report, you get a reference number.
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: 1800 035 544, for worries about the quality or safety of supports, or the conduct of a provider or worker.
- Scamwatch (ACCC): for general scam reporting.
- 000: for emergencies.
A family member, nominee, friend or provider can report for you.
How Goodo helps
On Goodo, you can report a video, comment, message, person or event. You can choose the reason "Scam or inducement". Providers on Goodo cannot start a private chat with you. You write first. We do not allow providers to ask for bank details or logins. These are Goodo's rules. They do not replace the law or the NDIS Commission.
See also NDIS and social media: staying safe and what to do if something goes wrong with a provider.
Protect yourself every day
A few habits make a big difference.
- Use a different password for each important account, and turn on two-step sign in.
- Do not give your NDIS number to people who contact you first.
- Check invoices against your service agreement before paying.
- Ask your plan manager to alert you to anything unusual.
- Talk to someone you trust before you agree to a new provider or deal.
- If you are not sure, wait. A real provider will understand if you take a day to think.
Remember: it is never rude to say no, or to say "I will check and call you back".
About this guide
Goodo is independent. We are not part of, or endorsed by, the NDIA or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This is general information, not advice. Rules change, so check ndis.gov.au or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 about your own situation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I report an NDIS scam?
Call the NDIS Fraud Reporting and Scams Helpline on 1800 650 717, or use the online tip-off form on ndis.gov.au. A trusted person, such as a family member, nominee or provider, can report on your behalf.
Will the NDIS ever call and threaten to cancel my plan over a debt?
No. The NDIS says it will never do this. If someone does, it is a scam. Hang up and do not give any details.
What is an inducement?
It is a gift, discount, payment or other benefit offered to win you as a client or keep you. NDIS Commission guidance says participants should never be required or expected to give extras to get supports. Offers like free gifts to sign up are a red flag.
What should I do if I already paid a scammer?
Contact your bank straight away, change your passwords, check your NDIS records for other changes, and report it. Do it as soon as you can.
Is it a scam if a provider says they are NDIS approved?
It is a red flag. The NDIS does not approve providers in that way. Check the NDIS Commission's provider register instead.
Sources
Goodo is independent