Guarding Against Being Scammed
It seems that each week there is a story in the media about someone who has been relieved of their life savings through a scam or a fraud. These tricks range from the simple and easily spotted to the very sophisticated.
When responding to marketing material seen on-line, in print or even via word of mouth for investment products you should always check for the following features:
- Does the organisation offering the investment product hold an Australian Financial Services Licence Number (AFSL No.)? This can be easily verified by going to the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) website (www.asic.gov.au) and searching for the number under “AFS Licensees”.
Angas Securities, as responsible entity for the Angas Prime Income Fund, holds AFSL No. 232 479. - Does the organisation offering the investment product have an up-to-date Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) that sets out in full the terms and conditions of the investment product?
Angas Prime’s PDS can be readily accessed by phoning 1800 010 800 and requesting a copy or by downloading it directly from the website at www.angasprime.com.au - Does the organisation offering the investment product to you provide a Target Market Determination (TMD) that assists you to decide if the product being offered is right for you? Remember, if you don’t understand how an investment product generates its income or the risks involved, then the product may not be right for you.
Angas Prime’s TDM is available on its website at www.angasprime.com.au or by phoning1800 010 800 and requesting a copy. - If someone calls you directly to discuss an investment product or financial transaction, and you aren’t sure that they are legitimate, hang up and look for the number of the organisation in print or online. A genuine company will have no problem with you ringing them back on their advertised number.
Angas Prime has a dedicated Investor Relations Team who are available by telephone or in-person at one of our offices. - When making an initial deposit of funds either into an organisation’s bank account via electronic funds transfer (EFT) or by depositing directly, it is good practice to phone and check that you have the correct bank details. Make sure you’re talking to someone you can trust. Once you have successfully made the initial deposit of funds, be very wary if you subsequently receive instructions to deposit funds into a different account.
Angas Prime accepts investment funds into one bank account only via Bpay, EFT or cheque. It does not accept cash under any circumstances. All investors receive a Unit Holding Certificate detailing the amount of their investment and its maturity date.
Angas Prime has well-developed practices and procedures in place to mitigate fraudulent activity. Further, it adheres to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (Cth) regarding the requirements to open an investment, update information, and the handling of personally identifiable information. All digital information is protected by robust cybersecurity measures.
Remember, if in doubt, call ANGAS and check it out!