Is this text or email from ASIC a scam?
Government agencies are a favourite scam disguise, and ASIC is one of the names scammers hide behind most — a message about a fine, refund or account problem makes people act fast. A text, email or call that looks like it's from ASIC can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real ASIC message from a fake.
Genuine ASIC links only ever go to asic.gov.au. Below is exactly what a real ASIC message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real ASIC message looks like
Genuine messages from ASIC only ever link to asic.gov.au.
- Genuine ASIC communications are sent from email addresses ending in @asic.gov.au
- Official updates appear in the ASIC Connect portal or the Moneysmart website at moneysmart.gov.au
- ASIC never sends unsolicited emails or SMS asking for money or personal bank details
- Any real ASIC licence or registration check must be performed directly on asic.gov.au
- ASIC publishes all enforcement news and media releases on its own website, not via random links
Crucially, ASIC will never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or an urgent bank transfer, or threaten you with immediate arrest or deportation.
Common ASIC scams
- Fraudsters send emails claiming to be ASIC that promote fake investment schemes and ask recipients to transfer money into an offshore account
- Scammers use ASIC branding in messages that promise to recover lost funds if the recipient pays an upfront fee or provides login credentials
- Impersonators create lookalike websites that mimic ASIC forms and request credit-card details to 'verify' an investment licence
Red flags to watch for
- The message contains a link that does not end in asic.gov.au and urges immediate action on an investment
- The sender asks you to verify or pay for an Australian Financial Services Licence number instead of telling you to check it yourself on asic.gov.au
- The email claims ASIC has frozen your money or detected suspicious activity and requires bank details to release funds
- The message threatens fines or legal action unless you click a link or call a number not listed on asic.gov.au
- The email address is from a domain such as asic-secure-login.com or asic-recovery.net rather than asic.gov.au
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating ASIC, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
From: alerts@asic-secure-login.com Subject: ASIC Enforcement Notice – Action Required Our records show your investment account may be linked to an unlicensed operator. To protect your funds, verify your AFSL details immediately at asic-secure-login.com/verify before markets open tomorrow.
What gives it away:
- The message contains a link that does not end in asic.gov.au and urges immediate action on an investment
- The sender asks you to verify or pay for an Australian Financial Services Licence number instead of telling you to check it yourself on asic.gov.au
- The email claims ASIC has frozen your money or detected suspicious activity and requires bank details to release funds
- The message threatens fines or legal action unless you click a link or call a number not listed on asic.gov.au
- The email address is from a domain such as asic-secure-login.com or asic-recovery.net rather than asic.gov.au
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious ASIC text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from ASIC
- Visit asic.gov.au and use the official contact forms or search tools listed there
- Check investment advisers and licence numbers directly through the ASIC Connect portal at asic.gov.au
Where to report a scam impersonating ASIC
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating ASIC? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I received an email claiming to be from ASIC about an investment – is it a scam?
If the email came from any address other than @asic.gov.au or contains a link that is not on asic.gov.au, treat it as a scam. ASIC does not send unsolicited investment offers.
How do I check if an investment adviser is licensed by ASIC?
Go directly to asic.gov.au, open the ASIC Connect search, and enter the adviser’s name or AFSL number yourself – never click a link in an email.
What should I do if I clicked a link in a suspicious ASIC-branded email?
Stop using that device for banking, scan it with reputable security software, and report the incident at cyber.gov.au or scamwatch.gov.au.
ASIC never sends SMS messages – is that true?
ASIC does not use SMS for enforcement notices or investment alerts; any such text is fraudulent.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating ASIC usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other government names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with ASIC through an official channel.