6 December 2018
Scam alert – the ASIC has issued a warning about an email scam targeting ASIC customers.
The scam emails pose as ASIC correspondence, asking victims to pay to renew their business or company name.
The emails may contain links to malware or to invoices with fake payment details.
What to look for
If you receive an email and you’re unsure of it’s authenticity, ASIC advises to watch for any of the following requests which may indicate the email is a scam, and not official ASIC correspondence:
- A request to make a payment over the phone
- A request to make a payment to receive a refund
- A request for your credit card or bank details directly by email or phone
Other warning signs include:
- Spelling errors
- Unknown attachments
- A lack of personal details (i.e. a generic looking email that isn’t addressed to you or doesn’t include any of your personal details like name or address)
Below is an example of a scam email:
Protect yourself
The key rule here is, if you’re suspicious of the email then don’t click on the links or act on the payment request.
Having up to date virus protection may not stop the email from landing in your inbox, but it’s another safeguard in case you accidentally click on a suspicious link.
If you have any suspicions or concerns, you can contact ASIC directly to clarify. For more information on this email scam and what to do if you think you’ve been affected, visit the ASIC website: https://asic.gov.au/online-services/service-availability/scams-targeting-asic-customers
Please contact Shakespeare Financial Group with any queries.
General disclaimer: Our firm provides the information on this website for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles on this website are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided “as is,” with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose
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