The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) has warned consumers about an investment bond scam in which scammers impersonate Bunnings Warehouse to promote fake “sustainability” bonds, advertise above market returns, and falsely claim the investments are backed by Bunnings and protected by government finance regulations. ASIC notes that Bunnings does not offer bonds or any other investment products. The scam is promoted via a fake website that can appear in internet searches for investment opportunities, and via spam emails posing as a responsible entity or broker that direct recipients to the site. The webpages use Bunnings branding and include hyperlinks back to Bunnings’ genuine website to appear legitimate, and offer three investment options between AUD 50,000 and AUD 250,000 with advertised returns of up to 9%; ASIC also warns that scammers are using similar techniques to impersonate other well-known retail brands and Australian financial services licensees. ASIC’s consumer guidance emphasises a “stop, check, protect” approach, including verifying whether the promoter is licensed or authorised on ASIC’s website and reporting suspected scams promptly to banks and Scamwatch.
Australian Securities & Investments Commission 2025-02-03
Australian Securities & Investments Commission issues scam alert on fake Bunnings sustainability investment bonds promising up to 9% returns
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) warns of a scam involving fake investment bonds, where scammers impersonate Bunnings Warehouse to promote fraudulent "sustainability" bonds with false claims of high returns and government protection. The scam uses a fake website and spam emails, offering investments between AUD 50,000 and AUD 250,000 with returns up to 9%. ASIC advises consumers to verify promoters on its website and report suspected scams to banks and Scamwatch.