ASIC has shut down over 25,000 malicious websites

Australia’s corporate regulator, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), has intensified its fight against online fraud, warning that artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating the spread of investment scams.

Newly released data shows ASIC coordinated the removal of 11,964 phishing and scam websites in 2025, a 90% increase from 6,270 takedowns in 2024—equivalent to around 32 fraudulent sites taken down daily. Since launching its disruption service in 2023, ASIC has shut down over 25,000 malicious websites.

The regulator also targeted social media abuse, removing more than 1,100 scam-related investment advertisements last year, underscoring the growing role of digital platforms in fraud distribution.

According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, Australians lost $2.18 billion to scams in 2025, with investment scams accounting for $837.7 million, making them the largest source of losses.

ASIC warned that as AI tools become more sophisticated, scam tactics are evolving rapidly, requiring stronger cross-platform enforcement and heightened investor vigilance.