Australians lost a staggering $122 million (or 180 million AUD) to crypto scams in the past year, according to a new report by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). This figure represents nearly half of the $269 million (382 million AUD) lost to all types of investment scams during the same period.
The AFP’s Assistant Commissioner Richard Chin revealed that most victims were younger Australians, with about 60% under the age of 50. This is a shift from the older demographic, who are traditionally seen as more vulnerable to scams.
The report highlights two main types of scams: pig butchering and deepfakes. Pig butchering involves scammers forming personal relationships with victims on social media before luring them into fraudulent investments.
Richard Chin, said, “Scammers often use pressure tactics and different methodologies to lure victims into making poor investment decisions, with two common methods being pig butchering and using deepfake technology.”
Deepfakes use advanced AI to create fake audio and video, often featuring celebrities like Tesla CEO Elon Musk, to trick people into investing in non-existent schemes.
Chin warned that the AFP’s figures might only scratch the surface, as many victims might not realize they’ve been scammed or may feel too embarrassed to report it. He stressed, “If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”
The Australian Government’s Scamwatch also reports that investment scams remain the most common way Australians lose money. In 2024 alone, Scamwatch has recorded over $68 million (AUD 100 million) in losses. Interestingly, Scamwatch data indicates that those over 50 are more frequently targeted by these scams.
Chin added that the stolen funds from these scams often fuel other criminal activities, including money laundering and drug trafficking. It’s crucial for Australians to stay vigilant and skeptical of investment opportunities that promise unrealistic returns.
Also Read: Australia’s ASIC Shuts Down 600+ Crypto Scams in 12 Months
