Know the scam patterns
Real examples, red flags, and what to do. Tap any card to learn more.
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Crypto & investment safety
Before you deposit — read this
Crypto and investment scams are the fastest-growing category. They look polished, the people seem friendly, and the early profits seem real — until you try to withdraw.
Wallet & address warning checklist
- Never share your seed phrase. Anyone asking is a scammer.
- Triple-check the receiving address — scammers swap addresses via malware.
- Send a tiny test amount first. If it doesn't arrive, stop.
- Treat 'support agents' on Telegram / WhatsApp as fake by default.
- Bookmark exchange URLs. Never click crypto links from messages.
Fake trading platform red flags
- Guaranteed or 'risk-free' daily returns.
- App you can only install via a link, not the App Store / Play Store.
- Withdrawals 'pending' until you pay tax/release/upgrade fee.
- Account manager pushing you to deposit more.
- Not on moneysmart.gov.au investor alert list — but no AFSL.
Romance-investment ('pig butchering')
- Met online, very intense early on, never video-calls.
- Talks about a wealthy relative or insider trading group.
- Slowly shifts the chat to a 'great platform'.
- Shares profit screenshots — never real evidence.
- Reacts emotionally when you say 'no'.
Before you deposit — pause and ask
- Would I be okay losing this money 100%?
- Has someone I trust IRL also used this platform?
- Have I tried withdrawing a small amount first?
- Is the company on a regulator register (e.g. ASIC AFSL)?
- Am I being rushed? If yes, stop now.