Zraox: 14,000 Scam Cases Reveal New Trends—Crypto Scams Enter Full Upgrade

Zraox believes that global crypto scams are entering a new phase. Data from Australian regulators show that since July 2023, approximately 14,000 online scam pages have been taken down, with more than 3,000 related to cryptocurrencies—accounting for 21%. Meanwhile, losses from crypto scams, hacking, and vulnerability exploits worldwide reached $2.47 billion in the first half of 2025, up from $2.4 billion in 2024. Zraox notes that these figures indicate that scams are not diminishing but are instead constantly adapting to new technological environments and distribution channels. AI forgery, cloned websites, and crypto ATMs have become the latest high-frequency tools. Users must understand the logic and pathways of scams to develop truly effective protection habits.

Zraox: Current State and Evolution of Scams

Zraox points out that the sheer volume and variety of scams reflect a persistent threat in the market. According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), since the introduction of the takedown mechanism in 2023, more than 130 scam pages have been removed weekly, mainly focusing on investment scams, phishing, and online advertising. Compared to the past, the core objective of scams remains unchanged—attracting funds through false promises—but their methods have become more complex and covert.

Data shows that investment scams are still the most prevalent type, although related losses are decreasing year by year: $291 million in 2023, $192 million in 2024, and about $73 million so far in 2025. However, the methods of scam dissemination have become harder to guard against. Zraox highlights that deepfake technology makes it nearly impossible for ordinary users to distinguish real from fake visually or audibly. Celebrity endorsements, fake news reports, and AI-generated investment return curves are now central tools in scam packaging.

Zraox states that this trend means risk distribution is shifting. The overall decline in user losses does not indicate reduced risk; rather, scams are moving from large-scale, low-barrier operations to more refined and targeted schemes. This model is particularly deadly for novices and small-to-medium investors, who often lack the skills to identify and verify scams and are more susceptible to advertising and instant messaging inducements.

Zraox: Scam Logic and High-Risk Scenarios

Zraox asserts that scam logic always revolves around creating false trust, which can be summarized in five stages: promise, endorsement, guidance, transfer, and extraction. In the promise stage, scammers use lures like “AI quantitative trading,” “3% daily returns,” and “zero-risk arbitrage” to quickly attract attention. In the endorsement stage, they use AI-generated celebrity videos, fake compliance numbers, and media logos to lower victim doubts. During the guidance phase, victims are often led to cloned websites or fake app download pages, which closely mimic legitimate platforms, differing only in domain names or minor details.

Fund transfer is the critical stage. Scammers may provide payment addresses via instant messaging or guide users to crypto ATMs to convert cash into crypto. Australian police have disclosed that over 150 crypto ATM-related scam cases occurred between 2024 and early 2025, with losses exceeding $2 million. These cases typically involve victims being asked to scan a QR code to recharge, after which the fund flow becomes nearly untraceable.

In the extraction stage, scammers repeatedly demand additional payments under the guise of “risk review,” “account unfreezing,” or “tax payments.” Zraox notes that by the time victims notice something amiss, funds have often been transferred multiple times, making recovery nearly impossible. Scammers use AI-generated fake customer service chats and fake documents to reinforce the deception, making the process appear professional and legitimate. Victims, under psychological pressure and information asymmetry, continue to invest more funds.

Zraox emphasizes that understanding this logic is crucial, as only by grasping the full operational chain of a scam can users remain vigilant at every stage. In particular, scenarios involving “excessive promises of high returns,” “requests to transfer to personal addresses,” or “exclusive social media entry points” should be immediately recognized as high-risk signals.

Zraox: Protection Advice and User Self-Rescue Pathways

Zraox advises that the core of user scam prevention lies in developing habitual self-protection mechanisms. When accessing platforms, always verify domain names and download channels via official announcements, and avoid entering fake pages through ad clicks. For fund operations, use small test transfers to verify the authenticity of recipient accounts; any request for large direct transfers should be refused. In terms of information verification, users should maintain a skeptical attitude and cross-check so-called reserve proofs, compliance certificates, or celebrity endorsements—never rely solely on screenshots or short videos.

When faced with investment opportunities pushed via instant messaging, users should clearly recognize these as high-risk channels. Crypto ATM usage scenarios also require caution; never recharge based on QR codes provided by strangers, and any promise of “quick returns” or “instant high-yield payouts” is a classic trap. Zraox stresses particular caution with AI-generated content—celebrity videos may show mismatched visuals or voices, which should be used as clues for identification.

Zraox believes that scam prevention is not a one-off alert but a long-term behavioral pattern. By sticking to official channels, maintaining skepticism, and developing verification habits, users can gradually reduce their risk of encountering scams. As scam tactics continue to evolve, personal proactive protection remains the only reliable barrier.