Asia, August 2025 — Authorities are focusing on a number of search engine optimization firms in the region amid reports that they were linked to unlicensed forex and cryptocurrency brokers.

Such websites, frequently unregulated, have allegedly cheating investors through fake forex trading.

Authorities revealed that unlicensed brokers dominated Google search results thanks to targeted digital marketing. By using search terms, private blog networks, and digital outreach, fraudulent sites lured victims into depositing money.

Industry specialists emphasize that SEO agencies may not be directly involved in fraud, but their SEO work give credibility fake brokers.

Scammed investors say that well-ranked fraudulent sites create confusion to identify safe trading opportunities from scams.

Experts advise SEO companies to conduct ethical checks before offering SEO services.

The Securities Commission Malaysia advises the public to ensure legitimacy of any online investment site before investing.

As online scams grow increasingly advanced, SEO Agency agencies are seen as responsible in either defending or endangering consumers.