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The ASIC Business Name Trap: Don’t Get Caught by Third-Party Renewal Scams
By Kellie Lethbridge
10 November 2025
If you’ve ever received a letter or email reminding you to renew your business name, you might have assumed it came from ASIC. But what if it didn’t?
Across Australia, small business owners are being caught in a costly trap—paying inflated fees to third-party providers or outright scammers who pretend to be ASIC or act as unofficial intermediaries. Here’s what you need to know to protect your business and your wallet.
What’s the Trap?
Scammers and some private companies send official-looking emails or letters that mimic ASIC branding. These notices often:
- Urge you to renew your business name immediately
- Include links to pay online or bank details
- Charge much higher fees than ASIC
- Sometimes even take control of your business name registration
- In some cases, these third parties are not scammers per se—but they charge hundreds of dollars for a service that costs just $45 (1 year) or $104 (3 years) directly through ASIC [1].
Red Flags to Watch For
Here’s how to spot a dodgy renewal notice:
- Email doesn’t end in .gov.au – Genuine ASIC emails come from @asic.gov.au.
- Fees are inflated – ASIC charges $45 for 1 year or $104 for 3 years. If you’re being asked to pay $99, $120, or more, it’s likely a third party [1].
- Urgent or threatening language – Scammers rely on fear and urgency.
- Requests for payment over the phone or via direct bank transfer – ASIC never does this.
- Letters in the mail – ASIC sends renewal notices by email only.
Why It Matters
Paying a third party might seem harmless, but it can lead to:
- Wasted money – You could pay double or triple the actual fee.
- Loss of control – Some providers change the ASIC registration to their own details, making it harder for you to manage your business name
- Security risks – Scammers may steal your personal or financial information.
How to Renew Safely
- Mark your renewal date – ASIC sends notices 30 days before expiry.
- Use ASIC Connect – Only renew through ASIC’s official portal.
- Ignore letters or emails from unknown providers – Especially if they don’t use a .gov.au domain.
- Report scams – Forward suspicious emails to ASIC and delete them.
What If You’ve Already Paid a Third Party?
If you’ve accidentally renewed through a third party:
- You likely won’t get a refund.
- Contact ASIC to reclaim control of your business name registration.
- Update your ASIC key and ensure your contact details are correct.
Final Thoughts
Your business name is a valuable asset—don’t let it be hijacked by scammers or overpriced services. Stay informed, stay alert, and always go straight to the source: ASIC.gov.au.
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