### Alert: Beware of Scammers Posing as ASIC via Email
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued an important alert to warn consumers about a new scam targeting Registry customers via email. Scammers are impersonating ASIC by using look-alike domains and requesting payment of fees and personal information under the guise of renewing business or company names.
These fraudulent emails are cleverly designed to deceive recipients into thinking they are legitimate. They often contain links that ask for ASIC user names and passwords, which can lead to malware infections on your computer if clicked. It is crucial to be vigilant and recognize these scams to protect your personal and financial information.
#### How to Identify a Scam Email:
1. **Payment Requests**:
– Legitimate ASIC communications will never ask for payments over the phone or to process refunds. Scammers may make these types of requests.
2. **Personal Information**:
– Be cautious if asked for credit card or bank details directly via email or phone. ASIC does not request such information through these channels.
3. **Fees**:
– Check the fee amounts. Scammers might request fees that differ from those listed on the official ASIC website.
4. **Timing**:
– Renewal notices from ASIC are only sent out 30 days before your renewal date. Emails received outside of this timeframe could be fraudulent.
5. **Email Address**:
– Official ASIC notifications always come from ASIC.Transaction.No-reply@asic.gov.au. Scammers often use similar-looking email addresses that can be misleading.
#### What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Email:
1. **Do Not Click on Any Links**:
– Avoid clicking on any links within suspicious emails as they can lead to malware infections.
2. **Report the Email**:
– Forward the entire email to ReportASICEmailFraud@asic.gov.au for review.
3. **If You Think You Have Been Scammed**:
– Immediately cease all communications and financial transactions with the scammer.
– Report the incident to your bank or financial institution right away.
– Be wary of secondary scams that claim they can help recover your losses for a fee.
Protect yourself by staying informed and cautious. Always verify the authenticity of emails claiming to be from ASIC, especially if they request personal or financial information. Your vigilance can prevent these scams from succeeding.
Stay safe and informed.
**ASIC Communications Team**
You can safely renew your business name with Registration Pty Ltd, an ASIC Registered Agent at their website Reg.com.au
