Alert: Impersonation scams

ASIC is alerting consumers to a rise in investment scams impersonating companies or financial investment firms.

What to look out for

Contact details which do not match independent sources

ASIC is aware of scammers providing information and materials, including contact details, impressive brochures, and even websites to ‘verify’ their legitimacy. This information can be very convincing and look authentic. The only differences to the legitimate company’s documents are the contact details and/or bank details.

Calls or messages received out of the blue

ASIC receives many reports where scammers have made or sent unsolicited calls or messages to consumers promising high returns and profits.

A request for remote access to your computer

ASIC is aware of scammers impersonating legitimate companies and then use convincing reasons for the victim to give them remote access (i.e. the ability to log into the victim’s computer or phone from their location). If someone asks you for remote access it is probably a scam.

A person you met online telling you about a great investment opportunity

Many scammers go to great lengths to build relationships and gain trust before offering an investment opportunity. ASIC has received reports of people being approached over email, social media or dating apps prior to being offered an investment opportunity.

For more information about investment scams, visit the Investment Scams page on ASIC’s MoneySmart website or visit the ACCC’s ScamWatch.