How to Spot Fake ASIC Business Registration Renewal Emails Targeting Australian Companies

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Spot Fake ASIC Business Registration Renewal Emails Targeting Australian Companies. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Australian small business owners are frequently targeted by fraudulent emails claiming to be from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). These scams typically demand urgent payment for business name renewals or company registration fees, often threatening penalties or cancellation if payment is not made immediately. Recognising the signs of a fake ASIC email can protect your organisation from financial loss and data theft.

Identifying Fake ASIC Emails

Scammers impersonate ASIC to create a sense of urgency and authority. Before clicking any links or making payments, check for these common warning signs:

• The sender email address does not end in @asic.gov.au
• The email uses a generic greeting such as "Dear Customer" instead of your business name
• There are spelling or grammar errors throughout the message
• The email creates artificial urgency, threatening immediate cancellation of your registration
• You are asked to pay via unusual methods, such as cryptocurrency, gift cards, or direct bank transfer to a personal account
• The email contains attachments or links that do not lead to the official ASIC website

Quick Fix Steps

1. Do not click any links or download attachments in the suspicious email.
2. Do not reply to the sender or provide any business or financial details.
3. Verify your registration status directly through the official asic.gov.au website.
4. Mark the email as junk or phishing in your email application.
5. Delete the email from your inbox and deleted items folder.

Detailed Instructions

Check the Sender Address

Open the email and inspect the actual sender address, not just the display name. Legitimate ASIC correspondence comes from addresses ending in @asic.gov.au. Be cautious of addresses that look similar but include extra characters, numbers, or different domains.

Visit the Official ASIC Website

1. Open your web browser and type asic.gov.au directly into the address bar.
2. Do not use links provided in the suspicious email.
3. Navigate to the business name or company register section.
4. Search for your business using your ABN or company name.
5. Check your renewal dates and payment status directly on the official register.

Report the Email

Most email applications allow you to report phishing attempts. In Microsoft Outlook, select the email and choose Report Message > Phishing. In Gmail, open the email, click the three-dot menu, and select Report phishing. This helps email providers block similar scams in the future.

Secure Your Business Information

If you have already clicked a link or entered details, take immediate action:

• Change passwords for any accounts that may have been exposed.
• Contact your financial institution if you provided payment details.
• Report the incident to Scamwatch via scamwatch.gov.au.
• Notify ASIC through their official contact channels if you believe your business details have been misused.

When to Get Help

If you are unsure whether an email is legitimate, or if you have already responded to a suspicious ASIC renewal request, open a ticket with our support team for assistance. Open a Ticket

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