ASIC Memperingatkan Platform Perdagangan Kripto Palsu yang Menargetkan Investor Ritel

Komisi Sekuritas dan Investasi Australia (ASIC) telah mengeluarkan peringatan tentang penipu yang menggunakan aplikasi pesan dan platform perdagangan kripto palsu untuk menargetkan investor ritel. ASIC menyatakan para penipu memancing korban masuk ke WhatsApp dan grup pesan lainnya dengan mengklaim dapat memberikan tips saham serta strategi perdagangan kripto, lalu mengarahkan pengguna ke platform penipuan yang menampilkan keuntungan dan saldo akun yang dibuat-buat. Dana yang disetor tidak diinvestasikan ke aset nyata, melainkan langsung diberikan kepada penipu yang mengoperasikan platform tersebut. Peringatan ini mencerminkan perhatian regulator global terkait meningkatnya penipuan yang terkait spekulasi aset digital dan komunitas investasi media sosial.

How Scammers Exploit Social Trading Communities

ASIC explained that scammers typically begin by advertising investment opportunities or stock tips through social media platforms before inviting users into messaging groups impersonating well-known financial figures or trading communities. Victims are then encouraged to deposit money into fake crypto trading platforms that simulate live trading activity and profits using fabricated market data.

When victims attempt to withdraw funds, scammers demand additional fees under the pretense of unlocking investments or releasing profits. Those payments also go directly to fraudsters, while users remain unable to recover their original deposits. ASIC also warned that scammers increasingly target victims already exposed to pump-and-dump schemes by offering fraudulent "recovery services" claiming they can retrieve lost funds.

The scam structure combines social engineering, mobile messaging, fake trading interfaces, and cryptocurrency narratives into coordinated operations. Unlike older investment scams relying on cold calls or emails, many modern fraud campaigns now imitate online investing communities and influencer-driven trading culture.

Younger Investors Face Greater Exposure

ASIC referenced Moneysmart research showing widespread exposure among younger Australians to crypto-related advertising and social media investment promotion. According to the survey, 23% of Australians aged 18 to 28 reported owning crypto assets, while 29% said they engaged in short-term trading influenced by social media personalities.

The research also found that 72% of Gen Z respondents had seen crypto-related advertisements on social media, while 41% reported direct contact from someone encouraging crypto investment activity. These findings illustrate how digital asset investing increasingly overlaps with influencer culture, online trading communities, and social media engagement—environments that create fertile ground for coordinated fraud.

Panduan ASIC untuk Investor

ASIC mendesak investor untuk menghindari tindakan berdasarkan saran keuangan yang diterima melalui media sosial atau grup pesan, serta merekomendasikan pengecekan apakah bisnis terdaftar di Daftar Penyedia Layanan Aset Virtual milik AUSTRAC. Regulator juga menyarankan pengguna untuk memverifikasi apakah perusahaan atau individu dilisensikan atau diberi wewenang untuk menawarkan produk investasi melalui basis data publik ASIC dan peringatan bagi investor.

ASIC mengingatkan investor bahwa bisnis yang menyediakan layanan aset virtual di Australia harus terdaftar dengan AUSTRAC dan mematuhi kewajiban anti pencucian uang serta pendanaan kontra-terorisme.