A ASIC alerta para burlas de negociação de criptomoedas falsas no WhatsApp

O regulador de empresas australiano ASIC emitiu um aviso sobre burlas sofisticadas com criptomoedas a operar através de aplicações de mensagens e grupos online de investimento. Os fraudadores estão a usar plataformas falsas de negociação de cripto para visar investidores através do WhatsApp, Telegram e comunidades de redes sociais, fazendo-se passar por grupos de trading. As burlas recorrem a conteúdos gerados por IA e a táticas de engenharia social para parecerem legítimas, com criminosos a imitarem traders bem-sucedidos e peritos financeiros para ganhar credibilidade antes de encaminharem as vítimas para plataformas fraudulentas.

How Fake Crypto Platforms Operate

According to ASIC, scammers commonly impersonate successful traders, financial experts, or well-known investment figures to build credibility before directing victims to fraudulent crypto platforms. These websites display fabricated trades, customer support features, and fake profit dashboards designed to appear legitimate despite no real trading taking place.

Money deposited into these platforms is transferred directly to scammers rather than invested into genuine assets. Victims attempting to withdraw funds are then asked to pay additional charges, including withdrawal fees, verification costs, or tax payments, before scammers eventually disappear. Some operations allow users to withdraw small amounts initially to create trust and encourage larger deposits later.

AI and Social Engineering in Crypto Fraud

Authorities warned that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence, cloned branding, fake testimonials, and other sophisticated tools to make scams harder to identify. These tactics make fraudulent operations appear more credible to potential victims.

Crypto Investment Awareness Among Australians

Moneysmart research cited by ASIC found 72% of surveyed Gen Z Australians had seen crypto advertisements on social media, while 41% said they had been approached about crypto investments. The research also found 23% owned crypto assets, with many taking a speculative or short-term trading approach.

Requisitos Regulatórios

A ASIC lembrou os australianos de que as empresas de cripto que operam serviços de ativos virtuais devem estar registadas na AUSTRAC e cumprir obrigações de prevenção do branqueamento de capitais.