ASIC Commissioner Warns: Crypto "Risky" as Australians Lose Millions in Scams
Australia\'s financial regulator, ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), is ramping up efforts to combat crypto scams, issuing a stark warning about the risks involved. ASIC commissioner Sean Hughes recently stated, “We want to be very clear and unambiguous in our..." emphasizing the regulator\'s stance on the dangers associated with cryptocurrency investments.
$336 Million AUD Lost to Crypto Scams: A Growing Concern
The warning comes as Australians continue to lose significant sums to crypto-related fraud. While the AFP reports AU$382 million lost to investment scams overall, a considerable portion stems from cryptocurrency schemes. This highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and investor protection.
ASIC Cracks Down: Over 600 Crypto Scams Shut Down
ASIC has been actively working to combat online investment fraud, taking down over 600 crypto scam websites in the past year. In an Aug. 19 statement, ASIC revealed that since July 2025, it has taken down over 5,530 fake investment platforms and 1,065 phishing attempts. This includes the removal of 615 cryptocurrency-related scams.
Combating Investment Fraud: ASIC\'s Ongoing Efforts
Since June last year, ASIC has taken down over 7,300 phishing and investment scam websites, with 615 related to false crypto “investment” opportunities. This coordinated effort aims to protect vulnerable investors from falling victim to these sophisticated schemes. Talking at the Governance Institute conference on Monday, September 12, 2025, ASIC commissioner Sean Hughes said, “We want to be very clear and unambiguous in our..." message to the public.
Binance Under Scrutiny: ASIC Alleges Misclassification of Retail Investors
ASIC\'s scrutiny extends beyond outright scams. ASIC alleges that Binance, from a specified timeframe, offered crypto derivative products to 505 Australian retail investors who were misclassified as wholesale investors. This further underscores the regulatory challenges surrounding the cryptocurrency industry in Australia.
Protect Yourself from Crypto Scams: Key Takeaways
- Be wary of investment opportunities promising high returns with little to no risk.
- Always conduct thorough research before investing in any cryptocurrency.
- Verify the legitimacy of any investment platform or website.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers.
- Report any suspected scams to ASIC immediately.