Protecting Your Child’s NDIS Plan: How to Spot and Respond to Scams

Managing an NDIS plan for your child can already feel overwhelming, and unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of families who rely on the system. Knowing what scams look like and how to respond can help you keep your child’s supports safe.

Common NDIS Scams

1. Fake calls and impersonation

Scammers may call claiming to be from the NDIS or your plan manager. They might say you owe money, that your child’s access will be cancelled, or that you need to hand over bank or personal details urgently. Some calls even appear to come from official numbers (known as “spoofing”).

2. False invoices and billing Scams

You might receive an email or invoice that looks like it’s from your provider or the NDIS. The catch? The bank account details have been changed so that your payment goes to the scammer instead.

3. Fraudulent access to your Plan

Some scammers use stolen personal details to make fake claims, submit invoices, or alter plans without families even knowing. This can drain funding and disrupt your child’s supports.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

• Requests for sensitive information such as bank details, Medicare card, or address.

• Urgent threats like “you’ll lose access if you don’t act now.”

• Invoices that ask for payment into a different bank account.

• Emails from suspicious addresses or calls from private or unusual numbers.

• Anyone pressuring you to act quickly or secretly.

  
  

What to Do if You’ve Been Caught

If you think you’ve paid a scam invoice or shared your details:

1. Change your passwords immediately, especially for email, banking, and NDIS accounts.

2. Contact your bank to report the scam and see if payments can be reversed.

3. Check your NDIS plan records for unusual claims or changes.

4. Report it to the NDIA Fraud Reporting & Scams Helpline on 1800 650 717 or use the NDIS online tip-off form.

5. Speak directly to your providers if you receive suspicious invoices—always use their official contact details, not those listed in the suspicious message.

   
   

Staying Safe

• Double-check any invoice or payment request before sending money.

• Only use official NDIS communication channels when in doubt.

• Teach family members and carers about these red flags.

• Keep a record of all payments and communications to spot unusual activity quickly.

  
  

Final Note

Your child’s NDIS funding is vital, and scammers know it. By staying alert and knowing the warning signs, you can protect your child’s supports and act quickly if something doesn’t feel right.