The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), in its new report on combating financial fraud, announced that 7,300 phishing and fraudulent online resources were shut down last year. These resources were used to deceive citizens, steal personal data, and distribute malicious software.
Authorities successfully dismantled 5,530 fraudulent schemes related to fake investment platforms that promised high returns but ultimately deprived users of all their invested funds. Additionally, the total number of websites containing links to malware that were shut down reached 1,065. These sites posed a serious threat to users’ cybersecurity by installing viruses and spyware on their devices.
“Australians lose billions of dollars every year due to fraud. Fraudsters are criminals targeting the pockets of honest Australians,” said ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court. She emphasized the importance of efforts to protect citizens from financial criminals and called for stronger preventive measures, including raising public awareness of potential online threats.
The report also noted that ASIC is actively collaborating with international partners and law enforcement agencies to effectively identify and combat financial crimes that have spread in the digital environment. The regulator is committed to further improving cybersecurity and preventing fraud to minimize risks for citizens and businesses.
