- Casino
- By State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- By State
- Slots
- Poker
- Sports
- Esports
- Home
- Blockchain
- New Report Urges Australians to Beware of Crypto Scams
New Report Urges Australians to Beware of Crypto Scams

A new report warns Australians to be wary of scams related to cryptocurrencies as the costs of such scams on retail consumers have been growing.
Australians Lost More than $163M to Scams This Year
Released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which is the country’s chief competition regulator, the report includes recent data from Scamwatch. According to the report, crypto scams have skyrocketed this year. The white paper points out that between January 1 and May 1 this year, Australians lost more than CA$205 million ($163.1 million) to scams. This marks a staggering 166% increase when compared to the same period the prior year. From the CA$205 million ($163.1 million) in losses, CA$158 million ($125.7 million) were related to investment scams.
“The majority of losses to investment scams involved crypto investments, with $113 million reported lost this year. Cryptocurrency is also the most common payment method for investment scams,“
reads the report released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Compared to the same period last year, the CA$158 ($125.7 million) million in losses related to investment scams marks an increase of 314%. The most common payment method used for investment scams was crypto, according to the recent report. Overall, crypto investment scams were responsible for CA$113 million ($89.9 million) in losses this year. What’s more worrying is that the ACCC’s report points out that the true losses may even be higher this year. This is because approximately only around 13% of the losses are reported to Scamwatch. Additionally, the whitepaper pointed out that while a significant increase was observed in the amount lost to scams, at the same time, a slight decrease was observed in the number of reports.
Consumers Should Beware of Crypto Scams
Delia Rickard, ACCC’s deputy chair, commented on the topic in a statement. She urged Australians to beware of investment scams. Rickard added that Australians must also be very cautious when it comes to investments, especially when cryptocurrency is involved. According to her, prime targets for cryptocurrency scams are consumers that are unfamiliar with that sort of trading.
“Australians should be very wary of anyone asking them to invest in or transfer money using cryptocurrency, especially if it’s someone you have only met online. Many consumers are unfamiliar with the complexities of cryptocurrency and this can make them more vulnerable to scams.”
Delia Rickard, deputy chair at the ACCCC
The latest report revealed that text messaging was the most popular method used for scams this year. A text message was used for some 54% of the scams between January 1 and May 1 this year. This result significantly surpassed phone calls, which were previously the most-popular method for contact by scammers.
On that topic, Rickard urged Australians to be vigilant and beware of scammer’s calls and text messages. “If you receive an unexpected text message or phone call from someone offering you an opportunity to invest, it is likely a scam and you should immediately hang up or delete the message,” she explained.
Jerome brings a wealth of journalistic experience within the iGaming sector. His interest in the industry began after graduating from college, where he regularly participated in local poker tournaments. This exposure led him to the growing popularity of online poker and casino rooms. Jerome now channels all the knowledge he's accrued to fuel his passion for journalism, providing our team with the latest scoops online.
Must Read
Blockchain
January 30, 2025
BKEX Staff Sentenced over Illegal Crypto Contracts Gambling
Blockchain
January 8, 2025
Crypto.com Launches More NFL Prediction Markets
More Articles
Casino
February 7, 2025
Cedar Rapids Secures Long-Awaited Iowa Casino License
Lottery
February 7, 2025
Single Ticket Wins Massive AU$60M Powerball Jackpot
Casino
February 7, 2025
Macau Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Gambling Network
Casino
February 7, 2025
Royal Caribbean Drops Wine Bar in Favor of Non-Smoking Casino
Industry
February 6, 2025
Leaders Discuss the Future of Tribal Gaming under Trump
Casino
February 6, 2025
Pennsylvania Wants to Tax Skill Games with 52% on Revenue
Sports
February 6, 2025
Accused Illegal Bookie Alleges Widespread Gambling in Pro Sports