Crypto scams have replaced credit card scams in Australia due to the rising popularity of digital assets
According to a recent report in the Sydney Morning Herald, criminals have shifted their attention from card fraud to cryptocurrency in Australia.
The fraud rate on car payments has declined significantly in recent years following the introduction of additional safety measures. AusPayNet’s Andy White has attributed the decline to robust customer identification.
According to ACCC deputy chairperson Delia Ricard, cryptocurrency will become an even more attractive target for fraudsters in 2021 due to rapidly rising prices.
Rickard has noted that cryptocurrencies have become a preferred payment method for all sorts of scams.
In June, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported that Australians had lost more than $205 million in scams. Notably, cryptocurrency investments accounted for most of the lost money ($113 million). The ACCC warned that consumers are vulnerable to cryptocurrency scams, which is why they should be very cautious when it comes to dubious investment offers.
She believes that it’s possible to reduce the number of cryptocurrency-related fraud cases with the help of stringent regulation. White is also convinced that cryptocurrencies have to be regulated like any other crypto scam.
Back in March, the government published a consultation paper covering cryptocurrency market licensing, taxation, custody services as well as decentralized autonomous organizations.
As reported by U.Today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the start of “token mapping” in a first governments around the world. Australia will determine the characteristics of the main cryptocurrencies.
Last month, the ACCC began testing a new service that automatically removes cryptocurrency scam websites after people report them.
