Combating investment scams

The financial services industry is a target for scammers around the world. Scammers are impersonating real people from reputable financial service firms and are making unsolicited contact with individuals via phone, email, instant messaging or other social media platforms in an effort to get them to invest in fake investment products.

This webpage contains some information on current scams, together with some guidance to assist you in identifying any suspicious approaches.

February 2023: Impersonation of First Sentier investors (FSI) representatives

Please be aware of scammers falsely impersonating representatives of FSI and targeting prospective investors. FSI does not make direct contact with prospective individual investors. These are not legitimate approaches from FSI.

The scammers have attempted to solicit investments from individuals in a fund that does not exist. They provide a fake “Investor Prospectus 2023”, which makes a number of claims in relation to guaranteed returns and an issue deadline date in an attempt to create a sense of urgency.

What is an investment scam?

An investment scam is a fake investment opportunity presented to individuals by scammers who impersonate real people from financial service firms. The scammers will present extremely appealing investment opportunities through a series of highly convincing interactions, often supported by sophisticated fake disclosure documents and application material.

How can I avoid being scammed?

Treat any unsolicited contact from financial service firms or individuals who are not your trusted financial adviser with suspicion. FSI does not make direct contact with prospective individual investors regarding investment opportunities.

What are some indicators of an investment scam?

Unexpected, unsolicited contact
Promises around guaranteed investment returns
Claims that the government or a regulatory authority guarantees investments
Invitation-only investment opportunities or time pressures to invest.

What should I do if I think I am the target of a scam?

Report the scam to the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) using the online reporting tool on the ASIC website and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via its scamwatch service.
If you suspect you are being targeted with any fake or copy websites, or that your identity has been obtained or is being used by someone else, you can file a complaint the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
If you receive any unsolicited contact from persons purporting to be representatives of FSI please do not respond to it, notify us by email via [email protected].

Is there any additional information or resources available to help me identify potential scams?

For current alerts on scams: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au
For general information on your online safety: https://www.staysmartonline.gov.au
For learning more about recognising and reporting scams: https://www.cyber.gov.au/learn/scams
For information about protecting your identity: https://www.idcare.org

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Material on this website is intended to provide general information only. This material has been prepared and issued by First Sentier Investors (Australia) IM Ltd (ABN 89 114 194 311, AFSL 289017) (FSI AIM), and includes the Financial Services Guide for FSI AIM.

This material does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should consider the information on this website and the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for the relevant fund, issued by either Colonial First State Investments Limited (ABN 98 002 348 352, AFSL 232468) (CFSIL) or The Trust Company (RE Services) Limited (ABN 45 003 278 831, AFSL 235150) (Perpetual) and assess whether the fund is appropriate given your objectives, financial situations or needs. If you are unsure about whether a fund is suitable for your objectives, situation or needs, you should consult a financial adviser.

Any opinions expressed in videos are the opinions of the individual participant and are subject to change without notice. Such opinions: (i) are not a recommendation to hold, purchase or sell a particular financial product; (ii) may not include all of the information required to make such a decision in relation to such financial product; and (iii) may substantially differ from other individuals within First Sentier Investors.

Copyright © First Sentier Investors (Australia) Services Pty Ltd 2024 (part of First Sentier Investors, a global asset management business. First Sentier Investors is ultimately owned by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc MUFG).

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