TL;DR: On June 17, 2026, ASIC said it is publishing website addresses for Australian financial services (AFS) licensees on its Professional Registers Search to help people spot fake or imposter sites. More than 6,500 licensees have been invited to submit website details since early May. Scamwatch and ReportCyber recorded 60,657 scam reports in the first three months of 2026, with reported losses of A$248.3 million.
What happened
ASIC release 26-122MR says criminals copy licensees’ names, licence numbers and websites to create fake sites and investment scam ads. ASIC may use compulsory powers if the register is not complete, and aims to have most licensee websites listed within the coming months. Authorised representatives’ websites are not included.
Since late 2023, about 20% of new Moneysmart investor alerts involve impersonation of a licensee, an authorised representative or a registered company.
Why it works
Anyone can copy a licence number, but they cannot change what ASIC lists as the licensee’s real website. Comparing the two is a quick, free check.
If a site is not listed, treat that as a reason for caution, not proof of a scam.
Background: our explainers on investment and trading app scam recovery and spear phishing. See also ASIC Cancels Licence of Firm Over Fake Macquarie Bond Sale and ASIC: Pump-and-Dump Scammers Use Fake Celebrity Endorsements.
What ASIC advises
- Before investing, search the register by the licensee’s name, ABN, ACN or AFS licence number, and compare the website with the “Principal website” field and the “Websites” section.
- If a site is not listed, be cautious, contact the licensee using details from its principal website, or ask why its websites are not listed.
- Do not share personal information or send money unless you can independently verify who is offering the investment.
- Report any site impersonating a licensee to Scamwatch.
If you have already sent money
Contact your bank immediately, report the scam to Scamwatch and through ReportCyber, and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 if your identity may be at risk. Our guides on the Scamwatch and IDCARE recovery process, Australian bank impersonation scams and how to reverse a wire transfer scam explain the steps, and what to do after a scam, wherever you live covers the first 24 hours. Scammers often start with details taken from past leaks, so run our free digital footprint check to see what of yours is already exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did ASIC announce?
It is publishing AFS licensees’ website addresses on its Professional Registers Search so people can spot fake sites, with over 6,500 licensees invited since early May.
What were the Q1 2026 scam numbers?
Scamwatch and ReportCyber recorded 60,657 scam reports with reported losses of A$248.3 million in the first three months of 2026.
Are authorised representatives’ sites listed?
No. Authorised representatives’ websites are not included in the register.
What if a site is not on the register?
Be cautious and contact the licensee using details from its principal website, or do further research.
Sources
- ASIC: 26-122MR, ASIC helps strengthen the fight against imposter scams in financial services (Jun 17, 2026)
- Scamwatch (ACCC)
Related Reading
- ASIC Cancels Licence of Firm Over Fake Macquarie Bond Sale
- ASIC: Pump-and-Dump Scammers Use Fake Celebrity Endorsements
- FTC Weighs New Rules for Ad Platforms Over Impersonation Scams
- Australia Scam News: October 2026 Roundup and Warnings
- Average Loss per Victim by Scam Type (2025)
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live