Scam alert: Investment bonds scam
Criminals are impersonating real businesses and offering fake investment bonds. They claim these bonds offer high returns and are protected by the government.
Scammers will encourage you to register your name, mobile number and email on a fake website. They steal money by getting people to buy fake investment bonds. They will also use your personal details to commit other scams.
How to spot the scam
This scam can be hard to spot because criminals set up fake emails where they pretend to be legitimate brokers. They also have a fake website which looks like the real business’s website. The fake website has the business’s branding and uses links that go to the real website.
The fake website comes up in internet searches for investment opportunities.
What you should know
There are steps you can take to help avoid investment scams:
- Don’t trust surprise offers to invest.
- Don’t take investment advice from people you have met on social media.
- Check the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) website to confirm if the person offering the investment is licenced.
- Check the Moneysmart investor alert list for companies and websites you should not trust.
- Check if the business details match the company’s real website.
Stay vigilant to scams. Remember to STOP. CHECK. PROTECT.
If you’ve been affected
If you’ve had money or personal information stolen contact us immediately.
If you’ve been scammed or have provided personal information call IDCARE on 1800 595 160.
Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.
