Latest News
11-06-2026 The Nigerian Prince is dead: how AI scam artists are targeting Australians
SCAMAssist's Simon Smith talks to The Senior about how generative AI is rewriting the playbook of online scams targeting Australians. This article is about a new wave of sophisticated travel scams operating inside Booking.com and Airbnb messaging, and fake QR code "quishing" stickers pasted over legitimate ones in airports, hotels and taxi ranks. Smith said generative AI has stripped away the broken English that used to identify a scam, meaning an older Australian may comply with an AI "Trust and Safety officer" who reads back their correct itinerary.
24-12-2025 How identity verification could have stopped a 300 million crypto scam
An article discusses how stronger identity verification and improved controls could reduce the risk of large crypto scams that rely on impersonation and social engineering, including scams involving fake video calls and identity deception.
22-12-2025 Pump and dump scammers put regulators on high alert
ASIC warned investors to be vigilant about coordinated pump and dump schemes targeting retail investors. The regulator noted an increase in reports and highlighted the use of social media and impersonation tactics to manipulate share prices.
18-12-2025 Former Dobell MP Craig Thomson jailed for migration fraud
Former federal Labor MP Craig Thomson was jailed for fraud offences involving a migration scam. The court found he dishonestly charged visa applicants for services he was not authorised to provide and obtained financial benefit by deception.
15-10-2025 US Department of Justice seizes record bitcoin from pig butchering scam
United States authorities seized a record amount of bitcoin linked to a large scale pig butchering cryptocurrency scam. Prosecutors alleged the operation involved online investment fraud and forced labour, with crypto assets laundered through international networks.
03-06-2025 AUSTRAC cracks down on cryptocurrency ATM scam and fraud links
AUSTRAC announced tighter controls on cryptocurrency ATM operators after identifying widespread scam activity linked to the machines. Measures include transaction limits, enhanced customer checks and mandatory scam warnings.
04-10-2022 SCAMAssist successfully negotiates a 360000 settlement:
"You are an awesome investigator!! Your one in a million and I could never ever have achieved this without you. I am forever grateful!" - AFCA Complainant - victim of cryptocurrency investment scam.
01-09-2022 SCAMAssist successfully negotiates a 60000 settlement:
"I woke up today a new person!" - Sharon Bencich from Geelong Victoria today was thrilled to learn that she is receiving more than 60 percent of scam funds paid back to her via our process. Simon Smith from SCAMAssist delivered the good news to Sharon who immediately accepted the offer. This was a good outcome for the client. The monies were authorised as part of a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam.
04-07-2022 Scams robbed Australians of more than 2 billion last year
Scamwatch reported Australians lost more than 2 billion to scams in 2021, with investment scams accounting for the highest losses.
ACCC takes action over alleged misleading conduct by Meta for scam crypto ads
The ACCC commenced Federal Court proceedings alleging Meta engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct by publishing scam advertisements featuring Australian public figures.
20-08-2020 ASIC obtains injunctions against SMSF scam
ASIC obtained interim Federal Court injunctions against an alleged SMSF scam involving cold calling and misleading conduct targeting investors.
Have a read of SCAMAssist's Simon Smith in the media. Please also feel free to review our List of Known Scams.