ASD Scam Warning: Fake Emails, Calls & Crypto Endorsements

• Cybercrime
• Scam Awareness
• Government Impersonation

The Australian Signals Directorate warns of scammers impersonating ASD and ACSC. Learn how to recognise and avoid these dangerous scams.

Cybercriminals Are Posing as ASD and ACSC – Don’t Be Fooled

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has issued an urgent alert about an increase in scam campaigns where cybercriminals impersonate the ASD or its Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). These scams often involve fake emails, phone calls, and misleading endorsements of products or services, particularly those related to cryptocurrency.

What These Scams Look Like

Scammers are crafting emails and calls that appear to come from the ASD or ACSC, often using legitimate logos and official-sounding language. The goal is to create panic and pressure you into acting quickly—such as giving away your bank details, passwords, or installing software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer.

They may even claim the ASD has developed or endorsed investment services or cybersecurity tools, including advertisements for crypto trading platforms on social media. These are completely false.

Common Red Flags

• Fake endorsements: Ads claiming ASD involvement in crypto or investment platforms.
• Urgency and threats: Tactics like “act now or face legal consequences.”
• Unusual requests: Asking for gift cards, crypto payments, or to transfer money out of your bank account.
• Links to downloads: Emails with links to software like antivirus tools or remote access applications.
• Claims your IP is involved in illegal activity: Scare tactics involving child exploitation material or money laundering.
• Refusal to let you hang up: Real ASD employees will never threaten you or insist you stay on the line.

What the ASD Will Never Do

• Ask for your passwords, bank details, or personal security questions.
• Send you software to download or ask you to install remote access tools.
• Request payment in any form, including cryptocurrency or gift cards.
• Claim your internet activity is under investigation or linked to illegal websites.
• Use pressure or threats during a call.

How to Stay Safe

• Hang up immediately: If something feels off, it probably is.
• Never click links in unsolicited emails: Especially if they claim to be from government agencies.
• Verify independently: Call 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371) to confirm if you’ve truly been contacted by the ASD or ACSC.
• Report suspicious activity: Notify Scamwatch and your financial provider if you believe your information has been compromised.

Remember: If It Sounds Threatening or Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

The ASD is a vital national cybersecurity body, and it does not endorse products or threaten citizens. Any such claims should be treated as fraudulent.

By knowing what to expect—and what to ignore—you can help protect yourself and others from these increasingly sophisticated scams.