Have you received a text or email saying you are owed a refund from HotDoc? Be careful – it could be a scam.
The ACMA is warning Australians about a new scam where criminals impersonate HotDoc, a medical appointment booking service, and send fake messages about Medicare refunds or overcharges.
These text messages and emails include a link to a fake website that appears legitimate but is designed to steal your personal or banking details.
Beware of links in unexpected messages, even if they look legit.
Watch out for:
- A sense of urgency – Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to make you respond quickly. They create a false sense of urgency to push you into acting without thinking.
- Sender details and links – Always check the sender’s address carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look like legitimate ones. Avoid clicking on links in messages unless you are certain they are genuine. When in doubt, go directly to the HotDoc App or HotDoc website.
- Were you expecting this message? – Check whether you were expecting this message. If you haven’t booked an appointment or visited a doctor recently, be cautious.
Take action:
- STOP. Always take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone. Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal details. Say no, hang up, or delete suspicious messages.
- CHECK. Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you’re really dealing with before taking any action. Contact the organisation directly using phone numbers or email addresses you find on their official website or app.
- PROTECT. Act quickly if something feels wrong. The sooner you act, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers. Contact your bank immediately if you notice unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information.
Help other Australians by reporting scams to Scamwatch. Reporting scams and talking about them not only helps to understand what happened but also informs authorities about scammer activities so that they can make it harder for scams to occur.
Staying safe from scams:
- Check ACMA’s tips for dealing with phone scams.
- Read Scamwatch’s advice about staying safe.
- IDCARE can help if your identity has been compromised or stolen. Call 1800 595 160 or visit www.idcare.org.
- Use our phone scam educational materials, which include posters in English, 10 other languages and for First Nations Australians, and graphics for social media.
The ACMA supports the government’s Fighting Scams initiative to address scams and online fraud and protect Australians from financial harm. We also support the work of the National Anti-Scam Centre, which coordinates government, law enforcement and the private sector to combat scams.