**Beware of Scammers Impersonating ASIC: Protect Your Personal Information**
As a valued member of the community, it is crucial to remain vigilant against scams designed to steal your personal information and money. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has been alerted to a new tactic employed by scammers who are using look-alike domains to impersonate ASIC. These fraudsters are targeting Registry customers through deceptive emails.
### How the Scam Works
The scam operates by sending seemingly legitimate emails to customers, asking them to pay fees and provide personal information to renew their business or company name. These fraudulent emails often:
– Include links that request ASIC user names and passwords.
– May infect the recipient’s computer with malware if clicked.
### Identifying Scam Emails
To help you identify if an email is a scam, ASIC has provided several warning signs to look out for:
1. **Payment Requests Over the Phone**: Genuine ASIC communication will never ask for payment over the phone.
2. **Refund Payment Requests**: Scammers might ask you to make a payment in order to receive a refund, which is not a practice used by ASIC.
3. **Credit Card or Bank Details Requests**: Be cautious of any email or phone call asking for your credit card or bank details directly.
4. **Fees Differing from Official ASIC Charges**: Always cross-check the fees mentioned in the email with those listed on the official ASIC website.
5. **Unusual Timing**: Fraudulent emails might arrive at irregular times. Official renewal notices from ASIC are sent 30 days before the renewal date.
### Authentic ASIC Notifications
Authentic notifications from ASIC are sent from the email address ASIC.Transaction.No-reply@asic.gov.au. It is important to verify the source of the email before taking any action.
### What to Do if You Suspect a Scam
If you receive an email that you suspect to be a scam:
– Do not click on any links or provide any personal information.
– Forward the suspicious email to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
– If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, cease sending any more money immediately and report the incident to your bank or financial institution.
– Be cautious of any follow-up scams that claim to help you recover your losses.
### Stay Informed and Vigilant
Protecting your personal and financial information is paramount. By staying informed about the tactics used by scammers and knowing the signs of a fraudulent email, you can safeguard yourself and your business from falling prey to these malicious schemes.
Stay vigilant, and always verify the authenticity of communications you receive.
You can safely renew your business name with Registration Pty Ltd, an ASIC Registered Agent at their website Reg.com.au
