91AV

ASIC has become aware of scammers sending text messages that fraudulently seem to be from ASIC. Scammers are using alpha tags to trick consumers into thinking they are dealing with ASIC to obtain their personal and financial information.Ìý

ASIC does not communicate using text messages, including to:Ìý

• ask you to provide or update your personal details / financial informationÌý
• renew your business name through our registry serviceÌý
• confirm receipt of reports of misconductÌý
• offer to assist with lost investmentsÌý
• ask for payment of fees. Ìý

What are alpha tags?

Alpha tags are alphanumeric sender identification labels used in text messages to display the name of the sender, often an organisation, instead of a phone number.ÌýÌý

For instance, instead of receiving a message from an unknown number, you might see the name of your bank or a government agency as the sender.ÌýÌý

While alpha tags offer a sense of authenticity and professionalism, they can be easily manipulated by scammers to create a false sense of trust.Ìý

Below is an example of a scammer impersonating ASIC using alpha tags.

Scammers have recently been impersonating ASIC in several ways, including through fake emails, text messages and documents. We have a webpage dedicated to these ASIC impersonation scams, with information on distinguishing between them and genuine ASIC emails, recent alerts, and how to notify ASIC when it may have been impersonated.Ìý

How to protect yourself?

To protect yourself against alpha tag scammers, consider the following precautions:Ìý

Verify the sender

Stop and check. Do not reply to any message with an alpha tag until you have been able to independently verify the sender's authenticity. Contact the organisation directly using a known and trusted phone number or email address.Ìý

Avoid clicking on linksÌý

Never click on links or download attachments from unsolicited messages. Instead, visit the organisation's official website by typing the URL directly into your browser.Ìý

Enable Multi-Factor AuthenticationÌý

Enhance your account security by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of protection, requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to your accounts.Ìý

Stay informedÌý

Keep yourself updated on the latest scam tactics by subscribing to alerts from cybersecurity institutions, such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre, your service providers such as banks and utility providers, and Australia’s National Anti-Scam Centre.ÌýÌý

Report suspicious activityÌý

If you receive a suspicious message, report it to the legitimate organisation being impersonated. You should also block the sender of the suspicious message and report it to your mobile phone provider.Ìý

Future protection

The Australian Communications and Media Authority is developing an SMS Sender ID Register to help protect alpha tags from impersonation by scammers. The Register is anticipated to commence by 15 December 2025.

Background

Be alert to scamsÌý

If you see these scams, it’s important to remember to:ÌýÌý

STOP – Do not engage with the text message, including responding with any personal information. If you feel unsure, simply delete the message.ÌýÌý

CHECK – Scammers can create fake alpha tags which can convey a false sense of legitimacy. Always check ASIC’s website to check if there have been any previous alerts published. If you can’t find an alert, it doesn’t mean you can trust the text message.Ìý

PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. If you have shared financial information or transferred money, contact your bank immediately. Help others by reporting scams to .Ìý

Think you have been scammed?Ìý

If you think you’ve been scammed, take these steps fast:Ìý

1. Do not send any more money. Block all contact from the scammer.Ìý
2. Report it to your bank or financial institution. Contact your bank or financial institution and ask them to stop any transactions. If you are not happy with your financial institution’s response you can lodge a complaint with them. If you are not happy with this response, you can make a complaint to the .Ìý
3. Contact , a free government-funded service, which can help to develop a specific response plan if your identity has been compromised. IDCARE will never contact you out of the blue.Ìý
4. Be wary of follow-up scams promising to help get your money back.Ìý
5. Report it to to help stop the scammer.Ìý
6. Warn your family and friends about the scam.Ìý

Go to for more detailed steps. Ìý

Further support

If you need to talk to someone, contact:Ìý

• Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours) or their crisis support ´Ç°ùÌý
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 (24 hours) or their Ìý

If you are experiencing problems with debt, contact:Ìý

• the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm) or Ìý

Related links

Ìý

Ìý

Ìý

Ìý

Ìý

ASIC is Australia’s corporate, markets and financial services regulator