Pyramid Schemes Australia 2025: How to Spot and Avoid Scams

A pyramid scheme is a fraudulent investment model that relies on recruiting new participants rather than selling real products or services. Early members make money by recruiting others, who pay an entry fee or make an investment. The cycle continues, with each new level funding the level above, but inevitably, the system collapses when recruitment dries up.

Key characteristics include:

• Recruitment-focused: Earnings depend on bringing in new members, not on the sale of genuine goods or services.

• Unrealistic returns: Promises of high or guaranteed returns with minimal risk.

• No underlying value: There’s often little or no tangible product, or the product is a front.

Recent years have seen pyramid schemes disguised as cryptocurrency investments, online trading platforms, and even as ‘community gifting circles’.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have ramped up efforts in 2025 to combat financial scams, including pyramid schemes. Notable changes this year include:

• Increased Penalties: New legislation introduced in March 2025 has doubled the maximum fines for individuals and companies caught promoting or participating in pyramid schemes.

• Expanded Definitions: The updated Australian Consumer Law now covers digital and online-only schemes, closing loopholes that previously allowed scammers to operate under the radar.

• Enhanced Reporting Tools: The ACCC’s Scamwatch platform now supports faster reporting and tracking of emerging scams, with data-sharing agreements between major banks to freeze suspicious transactions more swiftly.

These changes are designed to keep pace with the rapid evolution of scam tactics, particularly as more Australians invest online or through social media platforms.

In late 2024, a pyramid scheme disguised as a ‘crypto mining investment club’ swept through several Australian Facebook groups, promising 25% monthly returns. New members paid an entry fee in Bitcoin and were incentivised to recruit friends and family. ASIC intervened after multiple reports, but not before hundreds lost substantial sums.

Common red flags in 2025 include:

• Pressure to recruit: You’re told you must bring in others to earn rewards.

• Complicated commission structures: Payouts are based on recruitment, not product sales or investment performance.

• Lack of transparency: Vague or evasive answers to questions about the company’s operations, products, or leadership.

• Unregistered operators: The business isn’t listed on ASIC’s register or doesn’t hold an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence.

Always verify investment opportunities via official channels and be wary of unsolicited approaches, especially via social media or messaging apps.

If you suspect you’ve been approached by a pyramid scheme, or worse, have already invested:

• Cease all payments and recruiting activity immediately.

• Gather all communications and documentation.

• Report the scheme to Scamwatch, ASIC, and your bank.

• Seek support from legal or financial counselling services if you’ve suffered a loss.

Regulators have made it easier in 2025 to report and track scams, but recovery of funds can be difficult once money has been transferred, especially overseas. The best defence remains vigilance and education.