Gympie MP and Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett has shared a scam alert from Queensland Parliament, warning that scammers are impersonating Members of Parliament to target vulnerable members of the community.
Mr Perrett’s office shared the alert on Wednesday afternoon.
“The Queensland Parliament has become aware of scammers contacting Queenslanders by text message and email while falsely claiming to be their local Member of Parliament,” the statement reads.
“These scammers use photographs of MPs as profile images to create legitimacy and then offer a fraudulent ‘welfare payment’.”
The alert says scammers may reference personal details about the victim, such as changes in circumstances, employment status, or living arrangements, to build trust.
They then offer a welfare payment and ask for bank account details.
Victims may later be told a payment is required before funds can be released, including cash or gift cards. In some cases, scammers request additional payments over time, citing complications with the application.
The scam alert makes it clear what MPs cannot do.
“MPs are not allocated welfare funds to distribute to constituents.
“MPs do not send unsolicited messages offering financial assistance,” the statement reads.
The Parliamentary release urges the public to verify any unusual contact.
“If you receive a message claiming to be from your MP, contact their Electorate Office directly using the official contact list Member List (on) Queensland Parliament to confirm any such interactions, no matter how much the caller protests that it is not necessary,” the statement says.
“Office staff will appreciate your caution.”
Families of vulnerable community members are urged to check in with loved ones and encourage them to speak up if they receive suspicious SMS, emails, or phone calls.
