How to spot a fake ABC News story on Facebook

The "ABC News" story in your feed that isn't real and how to spot it.

How it works:

It usually starts with a Facebook ad showing two well-known Australian figures locked in a fabricated stand-off. The image itself is AI-generated, built purely to grab attention. Selecting the ad can lead to a website designed to imitate a trusted media brand and appear credible at first glance. The "article" describes a dramatic, fictional scene, then ends with a fake editor's note claiming the platform being promoted has been "verified" as legitimate alongside a countdown-style nudge that time is running out to invest. Providing your details can trigger direct follow-up aimed at encouraging further engagement. Not from a journalist, but from someone whose only job is to talk you into handing over money.

It's bigger than one fake site:

This isn't an isolated stunt. ASIC has separately warned that scammers are running the same playbook against other trusted outlets, faking articles under names like Forbes, Sunrise and The Project. The ABC is just one of several brands being borrowed to build trust fast. Scamwatch's own alerts describe these as deepfake-driven scams, where AI is used to make it look like a real celebrity or public figure is endorsing a trading platform they've never heard of. 

Red flags to watch out for:

1. Be wary of attention-grabbing ads - Scammers use dramatic headlines and familiar faces to encourage clicks.
2. Don’t trust a website based on appearance alone - Scam sites can closely imitate legitimate news platforms and look convincing.
3. AI content can make scams feel legitimate - Fake images and believable stories are often combined to build trust.
4. Question claimed endorsements - Treat any article claiming media, experts or public figures support an investment with caution.
5. Urgency is a warning sign - Pressure to act quickly is commonly used to reduce careful decision-making.
6. Be sceptical of easy money claims - Promises of strong returns with little risk are a common scam tactic.
7. Avoid sharing contact details too quickly - Entering your details can lead to persistent follow-up from scammers.
8. Scammers adapt and reappear quickly - Fraudulent campaigns are often replaced with new versions when removed.
9. Verify information independently - Visit official websites directly instead of relying on ads or promoted content.
10. Check the URL before trusting a page - A familiar design doesn’t mean the website is genuine. 

What to do:

• Don't click "Learn more" on suspicious ads — report them to Facebook instead
• Check any investment platform against ASIC's Moneysmart investor alert list before going near it
• If you've shared money or personal details, contact your bank straight away
• Report the scam at scamwatch.gov.au, so the National Anti-Scam Centre can track and act on it

Real news outlets report the news - they don't sell you a financial product through it. If something in your feed looks like a scoop but smells like a sales pitch, trust that instinct.