Main Points Related to Bitcoin, Web3, Ethereum, and Cryptocurrency:
- Australia’s securities regulator took down over 8% of scam websites focused on crypto investments in 2023.
- The Australian Securities & Investments Commission removed thousands of phishing and investment scam websites.
- ASIC coordinated the takedown of more than 7,300 phishing websites, including 615 crypto investment scams.
- Investment scams remain prevalent in Australia, with losses totaling $1.3 billion in 2023.
- Phishing activity linked to fake news articles and deepfake videos of public figures endorsing fraudulent online investment platforms.
- Australian Federal Police identified over 2,000 compromised crypto wallets belonging to Australians.
- Exchanges like BTC Markets, Binance, and Crypto.com collaborated with authorities to support victims of crypto scams.
Australian Securities Regulator Takes Down Crypto Scam Websites
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission reported that a significant portion of the scam websites it removed in 2023 targeted crypto investments. In a press release, ASIC highlighted the coordinated effort to take down phishing websites, including a notable number of crypto investment scams.
Prevalence of Investment Scams and Losses in Australia
ASIC emphasized the impact of investment scams on Australians, noting losses amounting to $1.3 billion in 2023. The regulator urged consumers to be vigilant, especially regarding social media links promoting online trading and crypto investments. Phishing activities, fueled by fake news and deepfake videos, continue to pose a significant threat to unsuspecting individuals.
Australian Federal Police Identifies Compromised Crypto Wallets
In collaboration with Chainalysis, the Australian Federal Police uncovered over 2,000 compromised crypto wallets belonging to Australians. Exchanges such as BTC Markets, Binance, and Crypto.com worked with authorities to assist victims and prevent further losses from crypto scams. The police highlighted the staggering amount stolen through phishing attacks since May 2021, showcasing the ongoing threat posed by bad actors in the crypto space.
