### Alert: Beware of Scammers Impersonating ASIC
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is warning consumers about a prevalent scam involving imposters posing as ASIC representatives. These scammers are cunningly approaching Registry customers via email to deceive and exploit them.
### Scam Tactics
**Look-alike Domains:**
Scammers are sending emails from domains that closely mimic ASIC’s official domain. This tactic is designed to trick recipients into believing they are receiving legitimate communication from ASIC.
**Deceptive Email Content:**
These emails typically request that customers pay fees and provide personal information to renew their business or company names. The tactics extend to links within the emails that ask for ASIC usernames and passwords. Clicking these links can lead to malware infections on your computer, compromising your personal and financial information.
### How to Identify Scam Emails
To protect yourself from these fraudulent attempts, be aware of the following signs that an email may be a scam:
– **Requests for Payment Over the Phone:** ASIC will never ask for payments to be made over the phone.
– **Payments for Refunds:** Be cautious of emails requesting payments in order to receive a refund.
– **Solicitation of Credit Card or Bank Details:** ASIC will not directly ask for your credit card or bank details via email.
– **Inconsistent Fees:** Verify that the fees mentioned in the email match those listed on ASIC’s official website.
– **Unusual Timeframes:** ASIC typically sends renewal notifications 30 days before the renewal date. Emails that deviate from this schedule should raise suspicions.
Remember, legitimate ASIC notifications are sent from ASIC.Transaction.No-reply@asic.gov.au. Be cautious of similar-looking email addresses used by scammers.
### What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Email
If you suspect that you have received a scam email:
– **Forward the Email:** Forward the entire suspected scam email to ReportASICEmailFraud@asic.gov.au.
– **Avoid Sending Money:** Do not send any money or respond to the email.
– **Contact Your Bank:** Immediately report the scam to your bank or financial institution.
### Support and Assistance
Dealing with a scam can be stressful and overwhelming. Here are some resources available to assist you:
– **IDCARE:** For specific scam support, visit IDCARE’s website or call them at 1800 595 160 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm).
– **Financial Counselling:** If the scam has caused financial distress, financial counsellors can provide free and confidential assistance.
– **Emotional Support:** Lifeline (13 11 14 or online chat) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636 or web chat) offer emotional support for those affected by scams.
This alert underscores the critical need to verify the authenticity of emails and to remain vigilant against dubious requests for personal information or financial transactions. Your caution and quick response can protect you from becoming a victim of these sophisticated scams. Stay informed and practice safe online habits.
You can safely renew your business name with Registration Pty Ltd, an ASIC Registered Agent at their website Reg.com.au
