Report suspected fraud or corrupt behaviour
The RAA has zero tolerance for fraud and corruption. Information about suspected fraudulent or corrupt behaviour by members of the public against the RAA can be reported to rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au or phone 1800 678 593.
The RAA prevents fraud by:
- Designing programs with built-in fraud prevention measures
- Requiring strong evidence to support and verify applications
- Checking all applications and evidence supplied
- Checking payment details before payments are made.
The RAA detects fraud by:
- Encouraging reporting from staff, the public and other NSW agencies
- Data analytics and manual checking to detect unusual applications or multiple use of the same customer data or invoice
- Random sampling, review and audit of applications.
The RAA responds to fraud by:
- Audit and site validation of applications that are of concern
- Referral to NSW Police or ICAC of any suspected fraud
- Civil recovery of any assistance provided under a fraudulent application.
The RAA takes all allegations of fraud and corruption seriously. Reports will be assessed and investigated as appropriate, which may require involvement of external parties such as NSW Police or ICAC.
Due to privacy restrictions and/or the integrity of an investigation, feedback may not always be provided to the individual making the report. If the allegation involves another individual, the Rural Assistance Authority may not be able to provide information about the conduct or outcome of the investigation due to obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Frequently asked questions
How can I spot a scam email
Always check the sender email address.
Official NSW Government email addresses typically end with 'nsw.gov.au' or the domain name of the government agency.
Generally, emails that are sent from RAA team members will end in ‘raa.nsw.gov.au’ or ‘dpi.nsw.gov.au’.
Electronic direct marketing from the RAA will arrive in your inbox from the email address ‘reply@e.raa.nsw.gov.au’.
Please note that scam emails may also look suspicious and be written in a way that attempts to create urgency but lacks specific details.
When and how will the RAA ask to verify personal details?
The RAA routinely calls customers to let them know the outcome of their application or to request further information so that an application can be processed.
RAA staff will identify themselves at the start of a call and will ask questions to verify that they are talking to the correct customer.
If you ever suspect you have received a fraudulent call or wish to confirm that a call you have received is genuine, please phone the RAA directly on 1800 678 593.
What is the correct way to update my details?
Any requests from customers to update personal details, including bank details, must be made to the RAA in writing, via email to rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au.
Before customer details are updated an RAA team member will make contact to verify the request.
How do I know if I have the right link to lodge an application?
In all circumstances, only use the online application form accessible from the RAA website.
There is a direct link to the online application on each program page.
In emails that the RAA sends to customers, links are provided to the applicable webpage, not direct to the application form.
Do not click on a link that directs straight to an application form from an email.
How do I know if I have the right link to lodge a claim?
In all circumstances, only lodge a claim by visiting the correct webpage via the RAA website.
There is a ‘Submit Additional Invoices’ link on the homepage or a link to ‘claim online now’ on each program page.
In emails that the RAA sends to customers, links are provided to the applicable webpage, not direct to the application form.
Do not click on a link that directs straight to an application form from an email.
What should I do if I suspect I’ve been scammed?
If you think you’ve been scammed:
- immediately stop any contact with the scammer
- report the scam as soon as you can, via the ACCC
- contact your bank or financial institution to cancel all cards and accounts that may have been breached
- write down any details you get about the scammer (phone number, email, website address or car registration plate number) to help with any investigations.
How can I contact the RAA if I suspect I've been scammed?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) either by calling 1800 678 593 or emailing rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au.