ASIC Removes 11,964 Scam Websites as Australian Investment Fraud Surges

Australian financial regulators removed 11,964 phishing and investment scam websites in 2025—nearly double the 6,270 takedowns from the prior year—as online financial fraud targeting Australians reached $2.18 billion in losses. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission reported the 90% surge as investment scams migrated increasingly online, with ASIC also removing 1,100 scam advertisements from social media platforms.

The numbers reflect a regulatory arms race as scammers deploy increasingly sophisticated fake investment platforms, clone legitimate financial service websites, and use social media advertising to reach potential victims. ASIC's dedicated scam reporting and takedown team has scaled up operations significantly, but the scale of fraud suggests enforcement alone cannot neutralize the threat.

ASIC Chair Caroline Waldon noted that younger investors aged 25-44 now represent the fastest-growing segment of scam victims, reversing the traditional assumption that elderly individuals are the primary targets. The regulator is pushing for enhanced platform liability rules and expanded information-sharing agreements with social media companies.

Australian investors should verify any financial services provider through ASIC's professional register before transferring funds, and report suspected scam websites immediately through the regulator's ScamWatch portal.