ASIC Warns of Scammers Impersonating Bunnings With Fake Investment Bonds

Scammers are targeting Australians by impersonating Bunnings and promoting fake investment bonds, prompting a strong warning from the corporate regulator. If you see an investment opportunity claiming to come from Bunnings, proceed with extreme caution.

How the Bunnings Investment Scam Works

Scammers have created fake websites and sent spam emails that falsely promote so‑called “sustainability investment bonds” under the Bunnings name. These scams promise unusually high returns, sometimes as much as 9%, and claim the investments are government‑backed. These claims are completely false.

The fake websites closely mimic Bunnings branding and often include links that redirect to Bunnings’ genuine website to appear legitimate. However, Bunnings does not offer bonds or any other investment products.

Why These Claims Are a Red Flag

Legitimate bonds are issued by governments or corporations and are accessed through licensed financial institutions, not retailers. Any investment offer using a well‑known retail brand to promote bonds should immediately raise concerns.

Scammers often pose as brokers or responsible entities to pressure people into acting quickly before they have time to verify the opportunity.

How to Protect Yourself From Investment Scams

You can reduce your risk of falling victim to scams by following three key steps:

Stop

Pause before taking action. Scammers rely on urgency to push people into making quick decisions.

Check

Confirm whether the investment is legitimate and whether the person or business offering it is authorised to do so. Be especially cautious of unsolicited emails or online ads.

Protect

If something feels wrong, act immediately. Contact your bank to stop or reverse transactions where possible and report the suspicious activity.

Understanding Legitimate Bond Investments

Bonds generally provide more stable returns than shares and usually pay regular interest. Governments and corporations issue bonds, and investors receive the face value back when the bond matures. Accessing bonds always involves licensed and regulated channels, not retail brands.

Stay Alert to Protect Your Money

Investment scams continue to evolve and often exploit trusted brand names to gain credibility. Staying alert, questioning offers that seem too good to be true, and verifying investment opportunities before committing funds can help protect you from significant financial loss.