cryptofraud

Australia’s securities regulator has shut down over 330 fake investment websites this year, which exploited images of billionaires to lure victims into fraudulent “get-rich-quick” schemes. This marks a 25% increase compared to the same period last year.
Scammers abused the faces of prominent business figures such as Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, Gina Rinehart, and packaging magnate Anthony Pratt to give cloned platforms a false sense of legitimacy.

The Power of “Social Proof”
Psychologists say fraudsters exploit the principle of social proof—the tendency of people to follow those they see as successful or authoritative. ASIC warns that celebrity photos and quotes were used without consent, solely to deceive the public.
Commissioner Alan Kirkland emphasized:
“These fraudulent websites promise unrealistic returns and misuse celebrity images to build credibility. Consumers must always stop, check, and protect.”
The regulator noted a spike in July, when scammers tried to exploit heightened financial interest at the start of the new fiscal year.

AI Gives Scammers New Weapons
The rise of artificial intelligence has supercharged fraud operations on an unprecedented scale. ASIC highlights troubling new tactics, including:
🔹 Cloned investment platform websites

🔹 Fake news articles promoting scams

🔹 AI “trading bots” promising impossible returns
According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, Australians lost $945 million to investment scams in 2024 alone—making it the single largest source of financial fraud losses.
ASIC now removes an average of 130 malicious websites per week—most being crypto scams, phishing portals, and fake investment platforms. In just two years, the regulator’s program has taken down more than 14,000 fraudulent sites.

Tougher Rules and Aggressive Enforcement
Under chairman Joe Longo, ASIC has undergone a transformation:
🔹 50% more investigations launched year-on-year

🔹 20% more civil proceedings compared to the previous period
Longo explained:
“Our operating environment is more complex than ever. ASIC must respond quickly and effectively to protect the financial system and the community.”
The regulator is also updating its rules for algorithmic and AI trading, which now accounts for around 85% of trades on Australia’s listed markets. Proposed changes would require mandatory “kill switches”—emergency cut-offs for risky automated trading activity.

Advice to Consumers: Don’t Get Hooked
ASIC is also warning against aggressive social media ads that promote “free pension health checks” or services to help locate lost superannuation funds. These offers often turn into high-pressure sales tactics and promises of unrealistic returns.
The regulator advises:

🔹 Hang up immediately if you feel pressured

🔹 Remember that moving retirement savings is a major financial decision and should never be rushed

#Australia , #scam , #CryptoFraud , #AI , #CyberSecurity

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Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged Michael Shannon Sims, a founder and promoter of OmegaPro, and Juan Carlos Reynoso, who led operations in Latin America and parts of the U.S., in connection with a $650 million Ponzi scheme. The indictment, unsealed in the District of Puerto Rico on July 9, 2025, accuses the duo of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. OmegaPro, a Dubai-based crypto and forex investment platform established in 2019, allegedly defrauded thousands of investors by promising 300% returns over 16 months through "elite traders." Instead, it operated as a pyramid scheme, using new investor funds to pay earlier ones. The scheme collapsed in 2022, and in January 2023, the defendants claimed a network hack, falsely stating funds were transferred to a new platform, Broker Group, from which investors could not withdraw. Both face up to 20 years in prison per charge. Additionally, co-founder Andreas Szakacs was arrested in Turkey in July 2024 for related allegations involving a $4 billion fraud
$ETH $BTC

$BNB

#trump #OmegaPro #CryptoFraud #USDT #FinancialCrime

Federal Court Confirms the Extent of SBF’s Forfeited Assets
The U.S. government has officially finalized the confiscation of Sam Bankman-Fried's (SBF) assets, the former CEO of the collapsed FTX exchange. Among the most notable items on the nearly $1 billion forfeiture list are $606 million from the sale of Robinhood shares and two private jets.
Court documents detail dozens of pages of assets that SBF owned before his conviction for fraud, including vast cryptocurrency holdings, bank accounts, investments, and political contributions.
💰 The Largest Asset: $606 Million in Robinhood Shares
The most valuable forfeited asset was $606 million from the sale of Robinhood shares, held by Emergent Fidelity Technologies, one of SBF’s firms.
Other seized financial assets include:
✅ $119 million in Tether (USDT) on Binance for Alameda Research
✅ $21 million in Marex, held for Emergent Fidelity Technologies
✅ $50 million in Moonstone Bank, designated for FTX Digital Markets
✅ $101 million in Silvergate, also for FTX Digital Markets
✅ $7 million in Flagstar Bank, held under SBF and another individual
✈️ Two Private Jets Among the Seized Assets
Luxury items seized in the case include two private jets:
2009 Bombardier Global 50002006 Embraer Legacy
These jets were part of Bankman-Fried’s extravagant lifestyle, despite his public image as a modest billionaire.
🔗 Alameda’s Crypto Portfolio – Millions in Digital Assets
Alongside traditional assets, the government seized a significant cryptocurrency portfolio belonging to Alameda Research, the trading firm co-founded by SBF.
📌 According to records, assets on Binance included:
$56 million in XRP (Ripple)$3.6 million in TRX (Tron)$3.4 million in ADA (Cardano)$2.3 million in BTC (Bitcoin)Numerous other smaller cryptocurrency holdings
💸 Political Donations Totaling Hundreds of Millions
Court filings also exposed a vast network of political contributions, with over 250 individual donations.
🔹 FTX and SBF played a major role in financing U.S. politics, with one in three members of Congress reportedly receiving funds from Bankman-Fried or other FTX executives.
🔹 Donations were distributed among various campaigns and organizations, spanning both federal and state-level political entities.
🔹 Documents suggest that some FTX executives made donations on behalf of SBF, possibly to bypass political funding limits.
⚖️ FTX Begins First Payouts to Creditors
Alongside the asset forfeiture ruling, FTX has begun its first round of repayments to creditors.
✅ A total of $1.2 billion has been distributed to those with smaller claims.
✅ These creditors received approximately 119% of their original holdings, based on the value they had at the time of FTX’s collapse in 2022.
✅ However, they missed out on the significant crypto market recovery that could have yielded even greater returns.
🔮 What’s Next?
🔹 More rounds of FTX creditor repayments are expected – the key question remains whether all victims will receive fair compensation.
🔹 Investigations into SBF’s political funding could lead to further legal consequences.
🔹 The fate of luxury assets, including the private jets, will likely be decided through government auctions.
👉 What do you think about the fate of Sam Bankman-Fried’s seized assets? Should the government redistribute the funds to affected investors? Share your thoughts! ⚖️🚀

#SamBankman-Fried , #FTX , #CryptoNewss , #CryptoFraud , #FTXScamAlert

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Shanghai Police Bust Cryptocurrency Scam Gang
Shanghai police successfully dismantled an organized group of fraudsters who scammed victims through fake investment platforms targeting cryptocurrency traders. Investigators in the Yangpu District arrested 16 individuals involved in the fraudulent scheme following an extensive investigation.
Fraudsters Used Fake Identities and Manipulation
The investigation revealed that the gang, led by individuals identified as Yang and Yu, infiltrated cryptocurrency investment chat groups while posing as “investment masters.” Using this tactic, they gained the trust of victims and directed them to a fake platform for cryptocurrency contract trading, which they had created.
On this platform, the fraudsters exploited victims’ desire for quick profits. Victims were persuaded to execute multiple trades, incurring high fees in the process. Manipulative tactics included convincing victims to increase their investments using a fraudulent “profit and loss ratio” mechanism. This trick led victims to believe their financial losses were due to poor market decisions rather than the fraudulent platform, allowing the gang to extract even more funds.
Arrests and Suspects’ Confessions
Following their arrest, all suspects admitted to their crimes. The Yangpu District police have placed the 16 individuals under compulsory criminal measures on suspicion of fraud. The case is currently under further investigation, according to authorities.
Conclusion
This case highlights the growing risks associated with cryptocurrency investments and fraudulent platforms. Police urge the public to exercise caution when engaging with unverified investment schemes and platforms.

#CryptoFraud , #CryptoNewss , #bitcoin , #ChinaCrypto , #Cryptoscam

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

He thought no one would notice — but they did. Waylon Wilcox (45) from Pennsylvania made millions selling CryptoPunks NFTs during the digital collectibles boom, yet claimed in his tax returns that he never sold any digital assets. Now, he’s facing up to six years behind bars.

💸 Over $13 Million Hidden — $3 Million in Taxes Dodged
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Wilcox has admitted to failing to report over $13 million in NFT-related income from 97 transactions in 2021 and 2022.
This allowed him to avoid paying more than $3.2 million in taxes.

Shockingly, he ticked “No” when asked on both of his tax returns whether he had disposed of any digital assets. In reality, he sold 62 CryptoPunks for $7.4 million in 2021, and 35 more in 2022 for nearly $4.9 million.

🧠 CryptoPunks: From Hype to Decline
CryptoPunks were once among the most sought-after NFT collections. In August 2021, the floor price reached a staggering 125 ETH (nearly $479,000) per piece.
Today? According to CoinGecko, the current floor price is about 42.5 ETH (roughly $69,000) — an 85% drop from its all-time high. Despite that, some still fetch millions. Just last week, one holder sold a CryptoPunk for $6 million, taking a $10 million loss.

⚖️ IRS: No One Is Above the Rules
“Virtual currencies and NFTs are not beyond the reach of the law,” warned Yury Kruty, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Philadelphia.

The IRS is increasingly targeting complex schemes involving crypto and NFTs that aim to conceal taxable income.
“Now more than ever, Americans need to know that everyone has to play by the rules and pay what they owe,” he added.

🛑 What Does the Law Say?
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reminded the public that any NFT sale must be reported on tax returns. Whether it's a gain or a loss — income from digital assets is fully taxable.

🚨 What Does Wilcox Face?
For filing false tax returns, Wilcox could face:
🔹 up to 6 years in prison

🔹 supervised release after sentencing

🔹 and a hefty fine under federal law

#nft , #CryptoFraud , #CryptoNewss , #Cryptolaw , #DigitalAssets
Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

A shocking case of abuse of power within the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has resulted in a prison sentence: former investigator Paul Chowles has been sentenced to 5.5 years for stealing 50 bitcoins, worth around £59,000 at the time, and now valued at over £4.4 million.

Stole Directly from Evidence
Chowles, now 42, was part of an elite NCA team investigating Silk Road 2.0 in 2014 — a darknet marketplace that emerged after the FBI shut down the original Silk Road. His job was to analyze digital data seized from the market’s administrator, Thomas White. During this process, Chowles gained access to private keys for a wallet containing 97 BTC. In May 2017, he quietly transferred 50 of them to his own “retirement wallet.”
The theft remained unnoticed for years, with initial suspicion falling on White himself due to his technical expertise. It wasn’t until 2022, when White was released from prison, that he raised the alarm, suggesting that only NCA officials could have accessed the funds. This triggered a new investigation.

The Blockchain Never Forgets
Police enlisted the help of blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis. Using their Reactor tool, investigators traced the flow of stolen BTC — despite efforts to launder it through the anonymizing service Bitcoin Fog. The analysis linked several crypto wallets directly to Chowles. The investigation gained further traction when authorities found a device at his home containing matching private keys.
One wallet holding about 30 BTC had been dormant for nearly five years, reinforcing suspicions that it was meant to store the stolen crypto long-term.

Confession and Verdict
In May 2025, Chowles pled guilty to theft, money laundering, and concealing criminal property. He was dismissed from the NCA shortly before sentencing. A judge sentenced him to 5.5 years in prison.

#Cryptoscam , #CryptoCrime , #bitcoin , #CryptoFraud , #CryptoNews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

1️⃣ The Token That Was Never Meant to Last

In October 2021, a new cryptocurrency called Squid Game Token (SQUID) launched, inspired by the hit Netflix series. Investors rushed in, hoping to ride the hype.

✔️ SQUID’s price skyrocketed, reaching $2,861 per token in just a few days.

✔️ Thousands of investors poured money into it, believing it was a legitimate project.

✔️ Then, in an instant, the token crashed to nearly zero—wiping out millions in investments.

2️⃣ The Warning Signs No One Saw

🚨 No official connection to Netflix—SQUID was never endorsed by the creators of Squid Game.

🚨 No way to sell the token—Investors could buy SQUID, but the contract blocked them from selling.

🚨 Anonymous developers disappeared—The creators vanished, taking all the money with them.

3️⃣ The Aftermath: A Classic Rug Pull

✔️ Investors lost millions, with no way to recover their funds.

✔️ Crypto experts warned about scam tokens, urging people to research before investing.

✔️ Regulators cracked down on fraudulent projects, increasing scrutiny on meme coins.

4️⃣ Lessons Learned

✔️ Always verify a project’s legitimacy—SQUID had no real backing.

✔️ If you can’t sell, it’s a scam—SQUID’s contract prevented investors from exiting.

✔️ Hype doesn’t equal value—Just because a token is trending doesn’t mean it’s safe.

#SquidGameScam #CryptoFraud #RugPull #Write2Earn

This is just the beginning—Season Two will uncover the real stories that shaped crypto history. 🚀🔥

A chilling case is unfolding in New Zealand, where cryptocurrencies play a central role. Julia DeLuney, a former teacher and crypto investor, stands accused of murdering her 79-year-old mother, Helen Gregory. Prosecutors claim the motive behind the crime wasn’t just personal turmoil but a dark spiral of debt and crypto fraud.

Fall from the Attic – or Cold-Blooded Murder?
The incident took place on January 24, 2024, in the quiet suburb of Khandallah. DeLuney claimed her mother had fallen from the attic stairs. However, forensic experts concluded that the head injuries did not match a simple fall – they were consistent with multiple blunt force traumas. Prosecutors argue it was a meticulously planned murder designed to cover up ongoing financial scams.

Cryptocurrencies as the Trigger
Investigators uncovered that between January 2023 and January 2024, DeLuney had transferred over $90,000 to crypto platforms. Her expenses, however, far exceeded her income. Just two days before the murder, she emailed her mother, claiming that a crypto investment made on her behalf had generated over $160,000 in profit. She requested $18,000 in fake withdrawal and tax fees. Her mother transferred $9,000 to her – just one day before her death.
A crypto expert later testified that the fees were entirely fictitious. Furthermore, DeLuney didn’t invest the money – instead, she used it to pay off credit card debt, stream services, Afterpay installments, and even bought a lottery ticket.

A Pattern of Deception
Bank records showed a series of suspicious deposits – including eight cash deposits totaling $18,000 in one day. Such patterns often signal attempts to disguise the origin of funds. Investigators also found that DeLuney invested only $1,200 in crypto – the rest went to cover her personal financial troubles.

Blockchain as Evidence
Despite DeLuney’s belief that crypto would provide anonymity, blockchain transparency worked against her. Investigators were able to trace every transaction. “Unlike cash-based investigations, blockchain offers a unified, immutable ledger,” experts noted.

Inconsistent Testimony and Blood Evidence
DeLuney claimed she left the house to seek help after her mother fell, only to return and find her dead. But police uncovered timeline inconsistencies and blood traces throughout the house, including the attic stairs.
The defense insists DeLuney is innocent and that the police are unfairly targeting her as the sole suspect. The trial continues, and the outcome could shape public perception of cryptocurrencies and their potential misuse.

#CryptoCrime , #Cryptoscam , #bitcoin , #CryptoFraud , #CryptoNews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“