You’ve just received an official-looking email or letter in the mail saying your business name is about to expire. It may carry the ASIC logo, sound urgent, and it gives you a link to pay now. But wait, this could be a business name renewal scam, and acting too quickly could cost you.
At Paris Financial, we’ve already seen clients caught off guard. One received a letter from a company calling itself something like “Australian Business Names.” The layout, colours, and even the font closely mimicked ASIC branding. It looked completely legitimate. Another client received a similar notice and nearly paid a marked-up renewal fee before realising it wasn’t from the government at all. These scams are becoming more common and more convincing.
This guide will walk you through how these scams work, what to look out for, and most importantly, how to protect your business from becoming the next target.
What Is a Business Name Renewal Scam?
A business name renewal scam typically involves scammers pretending to be ASIC or another authority. They send emails or letters claiming your business name is about to expire and ask for payment. These scams often direct you to pay through unsecured links or even bank details unrelated to the government.
The goal of these scammers is to trick you into paying a fee that either goes directly into their pockets or steals your business and personal details.
It can be easy to miss the signs, especially if you’re busy or the renewal date is approaching. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for.
Why Are These Scams So Effective?
Scammers rely on a few simple tactics that work time and again:
- The notices look official
They often use ASIC logos, branding colours, and even language copied from the real government website. - They target your fear of missing deadlines
Nobody wants to risk losing their business name, so these notices create urgency and pressure. - They charge believable fees
Most business owners won’t blink at a renewal fee, they often just pay it, which makes the scam less suspicious. - They hit small business owners the hardest
When you’re doing everything yourself, these things can fall through the cracks and scammers know it.
Red Flags That You’re Looking at a Scam
- Unusual Email Addresses
Real ASIC notices will come from an address ending in .gov.au. If the email is from a Gmail, Hotmail, or something that looks strange, be cautious.
- Fees That Don’t Match ASIC
ASIC’s current fees are $44 for a one-year renewal and $102 for three years (As at 30/04/25). If someone is asking for $99, $120, or more, it’s likely not genuine.
- Spelling Errors or Weird Formatting
Most scammers operate quickly and sloppily. Check for poor grammar, spacing issues, and broken formatting.
- Urgent or Threatening Language
Phrases like “Final Notice” or “Your business will be cancelled immediately” are often used to force fast decisions.
- Suspicious Payment Links
Hover over the link before clicking. If it doesn’t go to asic.gov.au, it’s likely a scam.
What To Do if You’re Unsure
Verify With Our Team
If you’ve received something that doesn’t look quite right, don’t click on any links. Instead, scan and send a copy of the letter or forward the email to our team at Paris Financial: admin@parisfinancial.com.au. We’ll help you confirm whether it’s a legitimate document or a scam. Reaching out quickly can help prevent unnecessary stress or financial loss.
Best Practices to Avoid Getting Caught
Even if you haven’t been targeted yet, it pays to be proactive. Here’s how you can make sure you don’t fall into the trap:
Keep Renewal Dates Handy
Set calendar reminders for when your business name is due to be renewed. This way, if you get a notice too early, you’ll know it’s not legitimate.
Use ASIC’s Renewal Notification Service
ASIC sends genuine renewal reminders 30 days before the expiry date, provided your email and mobile are up to date. Don’t ignore these.
Educate Your Team
If others in your business have access to the inbox or handle finances, make sure they also know what to look out for.
Engage a Trusted Accountant
Letting a professional manage these renewals means you’re far less likely to fall for a scam. Plus, it saves you time and ensures accuracy.
Real-World Scenarios
Here are a few examples of how these scams typically play out:
Scenario 1
John runs a small landscaping business in regional Victoria. He receives a renewal letter in the mail asking for $120 to renew his business name. It looks official, and since he’s not tech-savvy, he pays it. A few months later, he finds out his business name was never renewed, and ASIC has listed it as cancelled.
Scenario 2
Brenda owns an online store. She gets an email saying her business name is expiring in two weeks and includes a payment link. She’s busy, clicks through, and pays. It wasn’t ASIC, and her banking details were compromised, she had to freeze her account.
Both situations could have been avoided with a few checks and a healthy dose of scepticism.
Why These Scams Matter
It’s not just about the money lost. Falling victim to a business name renewal scam can lead to bigger problems, including:
- Identity theft
- Interrupted trading
- Stress and reputational damage
- Losing your actual business name
Even if you recover, the time and effort involved in sorting it all out is time you could’ve spent growing your business.
How to Report a Business Name Renewal Scam
If you believe you’ve received a scam renewal notice:
- Do not reply to the email or letter
- Do not click on any links or download attachments
- Forward the email to your accountant or cybersecurity contact
- Notify your bank immediately if you’ve made a payment
- Contact ASIC or Scamwatch to report the incident
It’s also helpful to inform others in your industry or local business community. The more awareness we create, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.
Business Name Renewal Scam Help for Business Owners
Need help avoiding a business name renewal scam?
If you’ve received something that doesn’t look quite right, or if you simply don’t have time to deal with renewals and compliance, let us handle it. Our team at Paris Financial is experienced, knowledgeable, and here to help Australian businesses stay safe and compliant.
Contact our team at Paris Financial today on (03) 8393 1000, for trusted support with your business name renewal scam concerns.
