Australia’s financial regulator is warning people about an increase in “pump and dump” scams, which are designed to lure victims into buying shares at inflated prices. The regulator says these schemes typically involve promoting a stock—often through misleading or coordinated communications—to create artificial buying interest (“pump”). Once the price rises, the scam organisers sell their holdings (“dump”), leaving other investors with shares that rapidly lose value. The regulator’s warning highlights that victims can suffer significant financial losses. The reporting notes that the scams are becoming more common and that Australians should be cautious about unsolicited investment promotions and claims that guarantee returns or rely on urgent action. Overall, the outlets align on the regulator’s message: pump-and-dump activity is increasing, operates by manipulating market sentiment for profit, and has real consequences for those who buy in during the price surge.