**Alert: Beware of Scammers Impersonating ASIC to Defraud Registry Customers**
As part of our ongoing commitment to protect the public from fraudulent activities, we want to alert everyone about recent reports of scammers impersonating ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission). These scammers are using look-alike domains to contact ASIC Registry customers via email, with the intent of deceiving them into divulging sensitive information and making unwarranted payments.
### Key Identifiers of Scam Emails
To safeguard yourself from falling victim to these scams, it’s crucial to identify the common traits of fraudulent emails that may be mistakenly perceived as communications from ASIC:
1. **Payment Methods**: Legitimate ASIC emails will never ask for payments over the phone or directly request your credit card or bank details. Be wary of emails that do.
2. **Fees**: Compare any requested fees with those listed on the official ASIC website. Scam emails often ask for fees that differ from the legitimate amounts.
3. **Timing**: ASIC sends out renewal notices 30 days before the renewal date. Any email seeking renewal outside of this period is likely a scam.
4. **Email Address**: Pay close attention to the sending email address. Legitimate ASIC notifications are sent from ASIC.Transaction.No-reply@asic.gov.au. Scam emails may use addresses that closely resemble this official address but contain subtle differences.
### Steps to Take if You Receive a Suspicious Email
If you receive an email that seems suspicious, it’s important to take the following steps:
– **Do not respond to the email**: Avoid engaging with the sender in any way.
– **Do not click any links within the email**: These may lead to malicious websites designed to steal your information or infect your computer with malware.
– **Forward the email**: Instead of deleting it, forward the entire suspicious email for further investigation.
### What to Do if You Believe You’ve Been Scammed
If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, take immediate action to protect yourself:
– **Do not send more money**: Often, scammers will attempt to extract more money from an already-victimized individual.
– **Contact your bank or financial institution**: Report the incident to secure any potentially compromised funds and accounts.
– **Be cautious of secondary scams**: Be aware that fraudsters may follow up with false promises to recover your losses. Only trust verified sources.
By staying vigilant and knowing how to spot these fraudulent schemes, you can protect yourself and help us in our mission to keep the public safe from such malicious activities. Remember, being cautious is your first line of defense.
Stay informed. Stay safe.
You can safely renew your business name with Registration Pty Ltd, an ASIC Registered Agent at their website Reg.com.au
