In recent years, Australia has witnessed an explosion of digital financial opportunities, with promises of easy profits and revolutionary technologies. It’s exciting to see the new possibilities in cryptocurrency and fintech, but with every opportunity comes risks — and are getting smarter.
Let's look at an example to understand how these scams work and how to protect yourself.
The images attached to this post showcase a concerning trend: Scammers using well-known public figures like to lure unsuspecting individuals into fraudulent schemes. Here’s one:
In this ad, Elon is depicted with an excited expression, paired with text like "A groundbreaking technology has just hit the market, and it's set to revolutionise the way we handle money!"
This kind of messaging is designed to create a sense of urgency and excitement. Scammers often fabricate stories claiming that celebrities have invested in or endorsed a financial product, cryptocurrency platform, or automated trading service. In this case, “Bitcoin Loophole” is promoted — a platform that falsely promises users can extract maximum profitability with ease.
Using faces like Elon Musk gives these ads a sense of legitimacy. But it’s important to remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Ads will often claim that this "new technology" is the next big thing and that only a limited number of people will benefit if they act fast. This FOMO tactic pressures individuals into making impulsive decisions.
The idea of earning millions from the comfort of your home, with minimal effort, is highly appealing, especially in times of financial struggle. Scammers exploit this desire by making it seem like a foolproof way to make money. Here’s the “news article” you visit when you click the ad:
When you click any of the hyperlinks on the page, it takes you to another website, which is where you lose your money:
Always check if the celebrity or public figure has actually endorsed the product or service. Official social media channels or news sources can help you verify the legitimacy of the claims.
Any platform that guarantees huge returns with little effort should be treated with extreme scepticism. Real investments always carry risk, and no one can predict the market with certainty.
The second image portrays what looks like a legitimate CBS News website article, claiming Elon Musk invested $12 million in a public trading platform. Upon closer inspection, this is not a real article from CBS but a cleverly disguised scam site. Always double-check the URL and cross-reference the information with trusted sources.
Scammers often make claims that sound legitimate, but the details are where you’ll find the red flags. Look out for terms that are too vague, like "maximum profitability with ease," and promises that don’t explain how their system works. You’ll also find the fake website doesn’t have a solid Privacy Policy or Terms and Conditions.
Use trusted sources and financial experts to guide your investments. Avoid platforms that are promoted primarily through social media ads or spammy websites.
Scammers may try to gather personal details through these fake platforms. Always ensure the sites you visit are secure and legitimate.
If you see ads like the ones shown, report them to the platform where they appear (e.g., Facebook) and let others know about the scam.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can avoid falling victim to these elaborate schemes. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Protect yourself and others by spreading the word about these scams. Together, we can reduce the impact these fraudsters have on our communities.
Lukas Jackson is a leading expert in compliance with over 5 years of experience in crypto, AML/CTF regulations and scams prevention. Actively involved in initiatives focused on scam prevention and public education, Lukas has a passion for protecting individuals from online threats. With a focus on raising awareness and developing strategies to combat scams, Lukas is committed to driving efforts that help people recognise and avoid scams.
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