A convincing online presence is no longer proof of legitimacy
For years, one of the standard responses to a suspicious investment opportunity has been: “Search the company online.”
That advice is no longer enough.
ASIC has warned that scammers are using generative AI to create convincing networks of fake credibility. A person may encounter a deepfake endorsement, follow it to a fabricated news article, find a professional-looking website and then see positive reviews that appear to confirm the opportunity is legitimate.
Every part of that journey may be false.
ASIC removed more than 19,400 online scams during the 2025–26 financial year, an increase of 182% from the previous year. These included fake investment platforms, phishing links and cryptocurrency investment scams.
The issue is broader than misleading advertisements. AI now allows scammers to manufacture the appearance of trust across multiple channels.
For businesses, this raises practical questions:
Can customers independently verify who they are dealing with?
Are impersonation attempts being monitored?
Are payment, onboarding and identity checks strong enough?
Is there a clear response process if the organisation’s name or branding is misused?
Digital trust can no longer rest on a polished website, familiar logo or favourable search results. It requires independent verification, effective controls and clear accountability.
HASH ELEVENS helps organisations assess digital-trust risks, strengthen scam-resilience measures and put practical governance around AI and emerging technology.
Read ASIC’s warning: https://www.asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/find-a-media-release/2026-releases/26-195mr-asic-warns-scammers-are-using-ai-to-spin-vast-webs-of-deception
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