Services Australia has shut down rumours of a "one-off payment" being organised for millions of Centrelink recipients. These reports spread like wildfire online and often lead to many people thinking they're about to receive a cash windfall in the coming weeks.

But they're rarely, if ever, true. Services Australia spokesperson Hank Jongen responded to the latest speculation around an upcoming payment.

"We haven't made any announcements about any one-off or additional bonus payments, and I'm worried this might be a scam," he said.

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A website posted an article five days ago claiming Centrelink was set to give Aussies two payments of $250 and $1,300 to help them with the cost of living.

"These payments are aimed at easing the pressure of higher rent, utilities, food prices, and other essential expenses," the article claimed.

It said a "broad range" of people would be eligible for the cash boost, including "pensioners, jobseekers, students, and family benefit recipients", and that the payments would be delivered in September and October.

These articles pop up from time to time, but rarely are they ever based on real information.

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Scam Centrelink websites designed to con Aussies

The pages can be designed to steal your personal details by funnelling you to a fraudulent website, or they could just try to pull in internet search traffic, which could give them advertising revenue.

Services Australia said Aussies should be wary of websites that have the following buzzwords that try to grab your attention:

• cash relief

• new bonus

• new document or identity requirements for Centrelink

• new eligibility

• one-off payment

• payment rates are increasing

• proof of identity

• revalidation

"Make sure you always look out for '.gov.au' so that you can be assured that it's an official government website," Jongen said.

He added that if people are unsure about certain payments or rules, it's best to look on Services Australia's website or social media channels, as that's where official information will be posted.

Services Australia has also seen some scam websites, emails and text messages claiming Centrelink requirements were changing and recipients could be hit with new penalties if they don't comply.