## Beware of Scammers Impersonating ASIC
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is alerting businesses and individuals to a recent scam involving look-alike domains. Fraudsters are impersonating ASIC to unlawfully contact Registry customers via email, with the intent of extracting fees and personal information under false pretenses.
### How the Scam Operates
The fraudulent emails often ask recipients to provide payment and personal information under the guise of renewing their business or company name. These emails contain links requesting ASIC usernames and passwords, which can potentially infect your computer with malware once clicked.
### How to Identify a Scam Email
To safeguard against these fraudulent activities, ASIC provides the following guidelines:
– **Avoid Payment Requests:** Be cautious of emails asking for payment over the phone or promising a refund.
– **Protect Your Financial Information:** Never provide credit card or bank details directly through email or over the phone.
– **Verify Fees:** Cross-check any fees mentioned in the email against the official fees listed on the ASIC website.
– **Timing of Renewal Notices:** Remember that renewal notices from ASIC are sent out 30 days before the renewal date.
ASIC’s legitimate notifications come from the email address **ASIC.Transaction.No-reply@asic.gov.au**. If you receive a suspicious email, you are advised to forward the entire email to ASIC for verification.
### Steps to Take if You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam:
1. **Don’t Send More Money:** Cease any further financial transactions with the fraudsters.
2. **Contact Your Bank:** Report the scam to your financial institution immediately.
3. **Get in Touch with ASIC:** Notify ASIC about the scam incident.
### Support and Assistance
For those who need further assistance and support, several organizations can help, including:
– IDCARE
– Lifeline
– Beyond Blue
– National Debt Helpline
It is crucial to stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself and your business from these deceitful schemes. Always verify the legitimacy of any email communication you receive, especially if it involves financial transactions or personal information.
You can safely renew your business name with Registration Pty Ltd, an ASIC Registered Agent at their website Reg.com.au
