Key Takeaways ASIC took down over 19,400 online scams and 3,106 fake crypto platforms in FY26. Deepfakes of figures like Anthony Albanese fueled over $5.3M in reported Australian losses. ASIC urges investors to verify entities on its official Professional Registers before sending funds. How Syndicates Use Deepfakes and AI Infrastructure Australia’s corporate regulator has issued a stark warning to investors as sophisticated, AI-generated deceptive networks—often built around fake cryptocurrency platforms and deepfake endorsements—continue to target Australian savings. In a news release issued Aug. 17, 2026, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) revealed it took down 3,106 cryptocurrency investment scams …

