The latest CPA tax news:

Scammers Impersonating ASIC in Email Spear Phishing Scam

 

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a warning to the financial services industry regarding targeted email spear phishing scams. Scammers are impersonating ASIC staff to build trust with employees and deceive them into surrendering sensitive company credentials, sharing confidential business data or downloading malware. Attackers often use email spoofing technology or manipulate display names to make their messages appear legitimate.

 

To avoid failing victim, keep an eye out for these key signs:

• Fake Sender Address – messages sent from domains that do not end in @asic.gov.au when you view the full email headers.
• Urgent Hooks – vague check-in questions (e.g., “Did you receive my previous email?”) or artificial pressure through subject lines like “Action Required” or “Violation Notice”
• Suspicious Links – requests to click links to “secure folders” or log in to external web portals.

 

If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from ASIC, do not click on any links, open attachments or reply. Always verify the full sender address, and if you are unsure, contact ASIC directly at 1300 935 075 or speak with your regular ASIC representative. Finally, report any suspicious activity to your internal IT team, Scamwatch and ASIC. Click on the link below to read more regarding ASIC issue about scammer antics: to be alert

 

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