CMC Markets, an Australian share investing and CFD trading
platform, is the focus of a new
phishing campaign, according to MailGuard AU.
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The operation targets the company’s high-net-worth
customers. Emails are blocked in some cases by MailGuard.
Login Theft Attempt Hits CMC Investors
The campaign impersonates CMC Markets and TD Direct
Investing. Its goal is to steal user login credentials. Recipients are sent
messages that appear legitimate, often referencing tax matters or account
migration. Clicking links in the emails directs users to fake login pages.
Phishing Email Cites W-8BEN PMC
The phishing emails carry the subject line: “Federal Tax
Residency Verification Notice — Required Renewal of W-8BEN PMC Certification.”
They use branding consistent with CMC Invest and reference real financial
processes, including U.S. IRS tax compliance. A detailed legal disclaimer is
included to give the emails credibility.
FinanceMagnates.com contacted CMC Markets, but no comment was
provided at the time of publication.
ASIC Targets Fake Investment Websites
This phishing campaign reflects a wider pattern of online
scams targeting Australian investors, according to the country’s financial
regulator. Australia’s securities regulator has warned
of fake versions of the Moneysmart website designed to gather personal
information and promote false investment schemes.
These sites copy the real layout but use different addresses
and pressure users with promises of quick returns. ASIC stressed that
Moneysmart never asks for personal data or payments for investments, noting a
broader rise in impersonation activity and continued efforts to remove scam and
phishing sites.
ASIC is taking down around 130
fraudulent investment websites each week and has removed more than 10,000
to date, including fake platforms, phishing links, and crypto scams. The
regulator has increased investigations and enforcement actions, though losses
remain significant, with Australians reporting AU$2.74 billion in fraud.
More than 330
fake investment websites have been removed this year alone, many misusing
images of well-known Australian figures. ASIC says AI-driven tools are enabling
more convincing scams. With investment scam losses reaching $945 million in
2024, the regulator is expanding enforcement and updating rules to address
emerging risks.
This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.
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