NDIS fraud is not always obvious. It doesn’t always look like a stranger stealing money — it can look like someone helpful, someone you trust, or a provider who seems professional. Knowing the warning signs can protect you and your funding.
Information current as of November 2025. This article is general information only — not NDIS, legal, or financial advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Red flags from providers
They ask you to sign blank timesheets or invoices. You should only ever sign for services you actually received. Blank documents allow a provider to fill in whatever hours they want.
They charge for services on days you weren’t home, in hospital, or didn’t receive support. Compare your service bookings and invoices with your actual calendar. Legitimate providers only bill for time spent delivering support.
They pressure you to “use up” your funding quickly. Your NDIS plan is designed to last the plan period. A provider who creates urgency around spending is a warning sign.
They discourage you from talking to your coordinator or plan manager. Good providers work transparently with your broader support team. Isolation is a common tactic in exploitation.
They ask for your NDIS portal login, bank details, or Centrelink details. No provider needs access to your NDIS portal. Your login is yours alone.
Their ABN is not visible on invoices, or they ask for cash payment. All registered NDIS providers must issue proper invoices with their ABN. Cash transactions for NDIS services are a red flag.
Red flags from support workers
They ask to move the relationship outside the NDIS — for example, paying them directly in cash for support work, or asking you to employ them privately so they don’t have to follow NDIS rules.
They make you feel like you owe them something, or that you’d be lost without them. This is emotional manipulation, not support.
They involve you in their personal problems — borrowing money, asking favours, sharing their own crises. A professional boundary should always exist.
They tell you not to tell your family, coordinator, or anyone else about what happens during your support hours.
What to do if something feels wrong
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Talk to your Support Coordinator. They can help you assess the situation and raise concerns on your behalf.
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Contact your plan manager if you’re plan-managed. They can pull a full transaction history of what has been claimed against your funding.
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Call the NDIS Commission on 1800 035 544. You can report concerns about a provider or worker — including anonymously.
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Contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 if you believe your plan funding has been misused.
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Contact the police if you believe a crime has been committed. NDIS fraud is a criminal offence.
You have the right to change providers
You can change your provider at any time. You don’t need to give a reason. If a provider makes you feel unsafe, asks improper things, or if you simply want to move on — you are entitled to do so. Your Support Coordinator can help you manage this transition.
Source: NDIS Commission — Raising a concern about a provider
General information only
This article is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute NDIS, legal, or financial advice. NDIS rules and supports vary by individual plan. For advice specific to your situation, speak with your Support Coordinator or contact the NDIA directly at ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110.