Australian Cryptocurrency Scam

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    Here is info re a busted cryptocurrency scam, which may be of interest to some.
    https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/more-than-100-lose-2-7-million-in-gold-coast-cryptocurrency-scam-20190808-p52f0m.html

    Text (from Brisbane Times reporter Tony Crockford):
    A Gold-Coast-based cryptocurrency investment scam tricked more than 100 Australians into handing over almost $3 million, according to police.
    Police said three men and two women, part of a criminal syndicate behind cryptocurrency investment businesses, have been charged over the scam, which ran from 2017 until May 2019.
    Police believe there may be more victims of the alleged cryptocurrency scam and have appealed for more information.It will be alleged the victims were tricked into thinking their investments of more than $2.7 million had produced a significant profit, which never existed.
    From 2017, victims were contacted regarding investing in Exmount Holdings Group, a legitimate-appearing company with a website, call centre and sales staff.
    Police said other companies and websites attached to this scam included Exmount Holdings Ltd, The Quid Pro Quo Foundation, The Atlas Group, AFG Associates Pty Ltd, tradex123, exmounttrading, atlasfxgroup and amazonqus.
    It will also be alleged victims were offered a trial investment, with the promise of generous returns once they had invested more funds. Victims were provided unique log-in details for the website where they could watch their initial investment grow over the trial period.
    Superintendent Terry Lawrence of the State Crime Command’s Financial and Cyber Crime Group said when victims tried to withdraw their capital, they could not because their money had gone and the supposed companies or staff involved could not be contacted.
    Detectives searched several properties during the investigation and charged three men - aged 33, 44, 56 - and two women - aged 21 and 28 - from the Gold Coast with fraud and money laundering.They were due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court this month and next month.
    "While these arrests are significant and a step forward in a complex and protracted investigation, we are continuing to conduct enquiries," Superintendent Lawrence said.
    "We would like to speak with anyone who feels they may have fallen victim to this criminal activity or may have information that could assist our enquiries."
 
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