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Since the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was introduced, it has provided crucial financial support for Australians living with disability. However, the growing complexity of the scheme—combined with rapid advancements in digital technology—continues to create opportunities for deceptive practices (ACCC 2024; NDIA 2023). While fraud and scams are not new, 2025 brings fresh challenges, including sophisticated online threats, deepfake technologies, and targeted phishing campaigns. This article discusses how to spot and avoid NDIS scams in 2025, offering evidence-based strategies to safeguard your personal data and funding.

Keywords: NDIS scams 2025, Preventing fraud and phishing, Spotting deepfake threats, Disability support scams, NDIA security guidelines, Scamwatch ACCC Australia

Scammers have become increasingly inventive, leveraging AI-driven phishing attempts, fraudulent websites, and impersonations of NDIS providers or agencies (ACCC 2024). Some are known to use deepfakes—manipulated voice or video content—to masquerade as official representatives. Because these scams appear authentic, participants and service providers must remain vigilant, verifying any suspicious communication through official channels (NDIA 2023).

• Phishing Emails and Texts: Messages claiming to be from the NDIA, urging immediate action (e.g., updating bank details) on a counterfeit website.
• Fake Invoices or Payment Requests: Fraudsters emailing “invoices” for NDIS services never rendered, hoping recipients will pay quickly without verification (NDIS Commission 2023).
• Impersonation Calls: Criminals posing as Local Area Coordinators (LACs) or plan managers, requesting personal information or account login details.
• Unsolicited Provider Offers: Providers claiming exclusive “new funding” or special approvals to lure participants into sharing plan details.

Scammers often exploit fear or urgency. Emails demanding immediate bank transfers to “avoid losing your NDIS plan” or threatening plan termination if you fail to respond within hours are classic red flags (ACCC 2024).

Legitimate NDIS staff or registered providers do not require your entire plan’s budgeting details, portal passwords, or online banking credentials (NDIS Commission 2023). If a message or call demands such sensitive information, it is likely fraudulent.

While AI tools in 2025 produce more polished text than older scams, some fraud attempts still contain grammar slips, suspicious domain names, or inconsistent branding. Double-check the sender’s domain—like “@ndia-example.com” instead of an official “@ndis.gov.au” address (NDIA 2023).

If a video call or voice message from an “NDIS representative” appears suspicious—glitches in facial expressions, mouth movements that do not sync, or unusual audio distortions—consider verifying their identity through a secondary channel like the official NDIA phone number (ACCC 2024).

1. Secure Passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for your MyGov and NDIS portal accounts, updating them regularly (ACCC 2024).
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): If available, enable MFA on your NDIS portal login and email accounts to add a second layer of security (NDIA 2023).
3. Software Updates: Keep devices and antivirus applications updated to reduce vulnerabilities targeted by scammers.

1. Registered Provider Check: Consult the NDIS Provider Register or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website to confirm a provider’s legitimacy before sharing personal details (NDIS Commission 2023).
2. Cross-Reference Communication: If you receive an unsolicited call, politely end it and contact the NDIA’s official phone line or your LAC to confirm authenticity (ACCC 2024).

Be wary of disclosing extensive plan details or budgeting allocations, especially in unverified online forms or phone surveys. Official NDIA communications typically reference your participant number but do not require you to recite all aspects of your plan (NDIA 2023).

Maintain an organised folder—physical or digital—of service agreements, invoices, and plan summaries. Thorough record-keeping allows quick cross-checking if suspicious charges appear on your statements or if someone requests unusual data (NDIS Commission 2023).

If you suspect or confirm a scam, immediately inform the NDIA via their official helpline. They can provide guidance on securing your account, reversing unauthorised transactions, or preventing further damage (NDIA 2023). You may also consider reporting to:

• Scamwatch (ACCC): The primary government body for scam reporting in Australia (ACCC 2024).
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: If the scam involves a registered provider, the Commission can investigate potential misconduct (NDIS Commission 2023).

If your NDIS portal login or bank information has been compromised, update your passwords and liaise with your financial institution to monitor or temporarily freeze related accounts (ACCC 2024).

Realising you’ve been scammed can trigger stress, embarrassment, or anxiety. Talking to a mental health professional, reaching out to friends, or joining online support communities helps process these emotions and regain confidence (AIHW 2025).

As scammers leverage AI, so do cybersecurity experts. Systems analysing digital footprints, transaction patterns, and communication anomalies are becoming more sophisticated, aiding in scam detection and prevention (ACCC 2024).

Regulatory bodies such as the NDIA and NDIS Commission continue to refine guidelines around data handling and provider obligations, forging tighter auditing measures against fraudulent claims or suspicious billing (NDIS Commission 2023).

Ongoing public awareness campaigns—both online and in community centres—empower participants with up-to-date security knowledge. Workshops on digital literacy, scam identification, and protective best practices can substantially reduce vulnerability (AIHW 2025).

In 2025, NDIS scams have grown more sophisticated, exploiting new technologies like AI-generated deepfakes and advanced phishing techniques (ACCC 2024). By staying informed, maintaining robust digital hygiene, and verifying every suspicious request, participants and providers can secure their NDIS funding and personal information (NDIA 2023). Timely reporting of scams, thorough record-keeping, and seeking emotional support when needed further fortify the NDIS community. As policies evolve and digital defences strengthen, collective vigilance and education remain the bedrock for combating fraudulent activities and preserving trust in Australia’s disability support system.

• Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) 2024, Scamwatch: Annual Report on Scams, ACCC, https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/.
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2025, Disability and Digital Safety, AIHW, https://www.aihw.gov.au/.
• National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) 2023, NDIS Security and Scam Prevention Guidelines, NDIA, https://www.ndis.gov.au/.
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) 2023, Provider Regulation and Fraud Prevention Initiatives, NDIS Commission, https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/.

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