FED: Govt warns of scam emails whipping up discontent

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2007
FED: Govt warns of scam emails whipping up discontent

CANBERRA, Aug 17 AAP - The federal government is warning of an email campaign whipping
up discontent among the elderly by claiming refugees receive more welfare support than
age pensioners.

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Mal Brough today said
age pensioners should be alert to the "scam" emails, which claim refugees receive $2,500
per month in financial support.

"The claims in the email are blatant lies, which are also being repeated on websites
and chat rooms," Mr Brough said.

"What concerns me most is that the scam targets older people and uses the plight of
refugees to whip up discontent.

"Clearly as the election approaches there will be those who go to any lengths to try
to influence people."

Mr Brough said he had no idea who was behind the emails, but says a similar campaign
was recently mounted in Canada.

"I urge anyone who receives these junk emails to treat them as such - mark them as
junk - and send them to the trash can."

AAP ag/evt

KEYWORD: PENSIONERS

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