Australian small businesses are being targeted by look-alike notices for business name renewals and company annual reviews. Private third-party companies scrape public registers to mail deceptive invoices, tricking business owners into paying highly inflated prices.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a warning regarding these unsolicited, false-billing schemes.

Known Entities to Watch Out For

These private companies are not affiliated with ASIC:

  • “Registry Australia”
  • “Registration”
  • “Online Business Registration”

How they Work

1. Extravagant Price Mark-Ups

These entities will hide their commissions inside a single lump-sum figure.

  • Actual ASIC Fees:
    • A business name renewal costs only $45 for 1 year or $104 for 3 years.
    • Annual Review Fees for companies are $329 per year or $70 per year for a SMSF trustee company.
  • Other entity invoices: These entities demand between $449 and $495 for the exact same services.

2. The Email and Address Hijack Trap

The most dangerous part of this scheme is in the fine print. Paying these invoices unknowingly authorizes them as your “Registered Agent.” They then change your contact email and mailing address in the official ASIC registry to their own. Future official bills are diverted to them, locking your business into an ongoing, high-cost annual subscription.

3. Early Registry Scrapes

These entities use automated software to track when your business anniversary is approaching. They intentionally mail fake invoices months early, beating the real government notices so you pay them before realizing it is a trap.

How to Spot a Fake Notice

  • Check the email sender: Official digital reminders strictly come from @asic.gov.au or via our office @rjcevans.com.au.
  • Check the timing: True ASIC renewal reminders are sent exactly 30 days before expiry.
  • Look for fine print: Disclaimers at the bottom often state: “This is a marketing offer, not an official ASIC notice.”

What to do if Targeted

If you receive one of these letters or correspondence, do not: pay it, call the number or click any links. Instead, contact our office.

If you have unfortunately already engaged or paid one of these third parties and need to regain direct control of your entity, please contact our office immediately so we can cease their access and change your authorized contact details back our office.