The Australian Securities & Investments Commission issued a scam alert warning that scammers are impersonating ASIC in text messages by using an alphanumeric sender label reading “ASIC” to obtain personal and financial information. ASIC stressed it does not send text messages using alpha tags and advised recipients not to engage and to delete any such messages. The alert notes ASIC does not use SMS to ask recipients to provide or update personal details or financial information, renew a business name through its registry service, confirm receipt of misconduct reports, offer assistance with lost investments, or request payment of fees. ASIC also explained that alpha tags can be manipulated and urged users to independently verify the sender, avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unsolicited messages, enable multi-factor authentication, stay informed on scam tactics, and report suspicious messages to the impersonated organisation and their mobile provider. ASIC highlighted that the Australian Communications and Media Authority is developing an SMS Sender ID Register to help protect alpha tags from impersonation, anticipated to commence by 15 December 2025.
Australian Securities & Investments Commission 2025-04-03
Australian Securities & Investments Commission issues scam alert on SMS impersonation using ASIC alpha tags
ASIC warned of scammers impersonating it via texts labeled "ASIC" to steal information. ASIC clarified it doesn't use such texts for personal or financial requests and advised deleting them. Users should verify senders, avoid links, enable multi-factor authentication, and report suspicious messages. The Australian Communications and Media Authority plans an SMS Sender ID Register by December 2025 to prevent impersonations.