$269M Lost to Scams: Crypto Exchanges Urged to Protect Vulnerable Customers Amid Surge

September 2, 2024
$269M Lost to Scams: Crypto Exchanges Urged to Protect Vulnerable Customers Amid Surge
  • While there may be rare instances of wrongly flagged accounts, Przelozny believes that the overall protective measures implemented benefit the wider community.

  • Additionally, individuals from lower-income areas are more susceptible to crypto scams, often drawn in by the promise of quick financial gains.

  • In light of these alarming statistics, crypto exchanges are urged to enhance their vigilance in reaching out to customers to prevent scams, especially those targeting vulnerable groups.

  • The Australian Federal Police reported a staggering loss of $269 million to investment scams in the past year, with nearly half of these scams involving cryptocurrency.

  • Adrian Przelozny, CEO of Independent Reserve, emphasized that customers over 65 are particularly vulnerable to scams due to their limited familiarity with technology.

  • Independent Reserve has taken proactive measures by employing a dedicated compliance team that contacts customers showing suspicious activity to alert them about potential scams.

  • This compliance team is trained to recognize red flags, such as multiple small deposits or withdrawals that mirror patterns seen in previous scam victims.

  • Trained staff engage with customers through targeted questions to help them realize they might be involved in a scam, although some victims may initially react defensively.

  • Interestingly, in the UK, younger individuals aged 25-34 account for a quarter of all crypto scam victims, highlighting that scams affect a wide demographic.

  • Przelozny also pointed out that victims can become overly excited about scams, making it challenging for them to accept they are being deceived.

  • If the compliance team suspects a customer is being scammed, they have the authority to close the customer's account and prevent withdrawals to safeguard their funds.

  • Scammers often employ modern technology, with tactics like 'pig butchering' and deepfakes becoming increasingly common, as noted by AFP Assistant Commissioner Richard Chin.

Summary based on 1 source


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