A recent report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has revealed that cryptocurrency-related scams accounted for 7.1% of the total $2.08 billion stolen from Australians in 2022. Australians lost a staggering 221.3 million Australian dollars ($148.3 million) from investment scams involving cryptocurrency as the payment method, representing a significant 162.4% increase from the previous year.
The report highlighted that a total of 3,910 crypto scam incident reports were made, with the average victim losing AU$ 56,600 ($37,900). This figure is particularly concerning as it represents a 250% increase in value swindled compared to bank transfer payment scams, which averaged around AU$ 16,000 ($10,700) per incident.
The survey also showed that while bank payment scammers more frequently contacted victims by phone and email, cryptocurrency scammers mostly targeted victims using social media and networking apps.
The ACCC Deputy Chair, Catriona Lowe, attributed the spike in scams to the increasing sophistication of tactics used by scammers, including impersonating legitimate organizations through official phone numbers, email addresses, and websites. Lowe emphasized that the "true cost" of scams goes beyond the financial losses, as they also cause emotional distress to victims, their families, and businesses.
The report also highlighted that scam losses are likely much higher than reported, as around 30% of scam victims do not report the incidents to anyone, and only 13% report it to Scamwatch, the ACCC's scam database.
The average investment scam victim in Australia was found to be a 65-year-old man who was contacted on social media or responded to a fraudulent advertisement. Victims are often tied up in the scam for several months before realizing they have been defrauded.
In order to tackle these scams more successfully and reduce their prevalence, the ACCC emphasized the necessity of closer cooperation between the Australian government, law enforcement, and the business community. The report also highlighted common investment scams such as imposter bond offers, initial public offerings (IPO), relationship or pig butchering schemes, and money recovery services.
As cryptocurrency gains popularity and becomes more mainstream, it is crucial for individuals to exercise caution and be vigilant against potential scams. It is important to verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunities thoroughly, not to succumb to pressure or urgency from scammers, and report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
The ACCC's report serves as a reminder to remain cautious and informed about the risks associated with cryptocurrency-related scams in order to protect oneself and others from falling victim to such fraudulent activities.
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