TL;DR: On April 8, 2026, ASIC said it coordinated the removal of 11,964 phishing and investment scam websites between January 1 and December 31, 2025, a 90% increase on the previous 12 months (6,270). That is about 32 websites a day. ASIC also removed more than 1,100 online investment scam ads from social media in 2025.
What happened
ASIC release 26-063MR says more than 25,000 scam websites have been taken down since ASIC launched its takedown service in 2023. It cites National Anti-Scam Centre figures: Australians lost A$2.18 billion to scams in 2025, including A$837.7 million to investment scams.
ASIC says scammers are using AI to make fake investment ads more convincing. Commissioner Alan Kirkland said, “the only thing that is real is the amount of money you risk losing.”
Why it works
Takedowns are quick wins against individual sites, but new ones appear fast, so checking before paying is the dependable defence. AI trading bot claims and guaranteed returns are classic bait.
Registration with ASIC alone does not mean a company is legitimate.
Background: our explainers on deepfake scams and investment and trading app scam recovery. See also ASIC: AI Deepfake Scam Webs Drive 19,400 Takedowns in FY26 and ASIC Finfluencer Crackdown: 63% of Gen Z Use Social for Finance.
What ASIC advises
- Do not share personal or financial details with anyone promoting an investment unless they can prove they hold an Australian Financial Services licence.
- Be suspicious of guaranteed, quick or unusually high returns and claims about AI trading bots.
- Use Moneysmart to confirm licensing and review its investor alert list, and use ASIC registers to check company registration.
- If you have sent money, contact your bank immediately and report to Scamwatch.
If you have already sent money
Contact your bank immediately, report the scam to Scamwatch and through ReportCyber, and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 if your identity may be at risk. Our guides on the Scamwatch and IDCARE recovery process, Australian bank impersonation scams and how to reverse a wire transfer scam explain the steps, and what to do after a scam, wherever you live covers the first 24 hours. Scammers often start with details taken from past leaks, so run our free digital footprint check to see what of yours is already exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many scam websites did ASIC remove in 2025?
11,964 phishing and investment scam websites, a 90% increase on the previous 12 months, according to ASIC on April 8, 2026.
How many scam ads were removed?
More than 1,100 online investment scam ads from social media in 2025.
What is the total since 2023?
More than 25,000 scam websites since ASIC launched its takedown service.
Is a company with an ASIC registration safe?
No. ASIC notes registration alone does not mean a company is legitimate.
Sources
- ASIC: 26-063MR, ASIC ramps up action to protect consumers from AI-powered online investment scams (Apr 8, 2026)
- Scamwatch (ACCC)
Related Reading
- ASIC: AI Deepfake Scam Webs Drive 19,400 Takedowns in FY26
- ASIC Finfluencer Crackdown: 63% of Gen Z Use Social for Finance
- FCA Week of Action: 1,267 Illegal Finfluencer Adverts Found
- Australia Scam News: October 2026 Roundup and Warnings
- Average Loss per Victim by Scam Type (2025)
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live