The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is reminding consumers of a recent rise in investment scams impersonating companies or financial investment firms. Scammers often contact consumers through Gmail and Outlook email accounts whose contact details do not match those published on legitimate companies’ websites.
ASIC reminds investors to be vigilant in the following situations:
Contact details are inconsistent with independent sources. ASIC found that criminals often provided investors with convincing information and materials such as contact details, brochures, etc., to “confirm” their legitimacy. This information may seem very convincing, and the only difference between them and legitimate company documents is contact information and/or banking information.
Receive a sudden call or message. ASIC has received numerous reports of scammers making or sending unsolicited calls or messages to consumers promising high returns and profits.
Requires remote access to the consumer’s computer. ASIC has learned of scammers posing as legitimate companies and then using compelling reasons to get victims to give them remote access (i.e. the ability to log into their computer or phone from the victim’s location). If someone asks you for remote access, it’s probably a scam.
Friends you meet online tell you that you have a great investment opportunity. Many scammers go to great lengths to build relationships and gain trust before offering investment opportunities. ASIC has received reports of criminals reaching out to consumers via email, social media or dating apps before offering investment opportunities. In layman’s terms, it is a “killing pig” scam.