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19/08/24
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ASIC’s Crackdown on Cryptocurrency Scams: Over 600 Fraudulent Operations Dismantled Amid Rising AI Threats
Australia’s financial regulator has reported significant efforts to combat cryptocurrency scams, identifying and dismantling more than 600 fraudulent operations over the past year. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) disclosed that since July 2023, it has taken down more than 5,530 phony investment websites, 1,065 phishing links, and 615 cryptocurrency scams.
The rise of artificial intelligence has presented new challenges in identifying fraud. Concerns have been raised about the increasing sophistication of scams, particularly those using deepfake technology, making it harder for individuals to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent activities. ASIC’s ongoing efforts have highlighted that an alarming average of 20 investment scam websites are removed daily, with these scams noted as the primary source of financial losses for Australians, totaling $1.3 billion in just this year.
Common tactics include fake endorsements from high-profile figures, which lure unsuspecting victims into schemes promising low entry costs and unrealistic returns. Scammers often utilize AI-generated voices and likenesses of well-known personalities, such as Elon Musk, to enhance their credibility. A notable instance involved numerous YouTube channels broadcasting an AI-generated Musk offering to double cryptocurrency investments, illuminating the lengths to which fraudsters will go.
In July, ASIC flagged a dubious entity named Dexa Trade Markets, which falsely claimed to have regulatory approval and significant trading activity. ASIC emphasized that this firm lacks the necessary licenses to operate within Australia, underlining the importance of consumer vigilance.
While AI poses a rising threat to investors, some experts propose that AI could also play a role in preventing scams. Suggesting the development of tools that aggregate data to assess the credibility of crypto entities, they argue that AI might highlight potential risks and aid consumers in making more informed investment decisions. However, the challenge persists, with regulators and consumers alike needing to remain wary in the rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrency investment.
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