Summary of Day 2: Global Online Scam Summit (GOSS 2021)

The 2nd Global Online Scam Summit concluded on 4th November 2021 with presentations and panel discussions by numerous experts. The Summit featured a broad range of speakers from various fields including law enforcement, cybersecurity and consumer protection.

To view the talks from Day 1 of GOSS 2021, click here.

Tushar Bhagat - SAFECOM Foundation, India 

SAFECOM Foundation in India is achieving great success through a WhatsApp chatbot integrated with ScamAdviser that helps consumers check websites for legitimacy before making a payment or purchase. They are also looking to raise mass awareness through radio about cybersecurity risks that consumers face.

Confidence Staveley - CyberSafe Foundation, Nigeria

A campaign to create awareness in fun and relatable ways among consumers in Nigeria has taken off like a hit song! The success of the campaign comes from embedding cybersecurity awareness in the daily life of a consumer through the popular Nigerian music of afrobeat and at the market, school, church and hangout spots.

Rory Innes - The Cyber Helpline, UK

The Cyber Helpline has created a crime-fighting chatbot that guides consumers through a self-help process of reporting 40 different types of cyber attacks, with the result of instant response from an expert. The chatbot is lightweight, gives immediate response, and allows people to use it anonymously.

Tanya O’Callahan - CIRA Canadian Shield, Canada

CIRA is a cybersecurity shield built for all Canadians in 2020 that blocks malicious sites, botnets, ransomware, malware and online scam sites. It has incorporated a data feed from ScamAdviser.

Pablo Corona Fraga - Mexican Internet Association (AIMX), Mexico

Rising cyber fraud over regular fraud is the trend in Mexico has led to a campaign called #LikeIntelligente for consumer awareness on cybersecurity risks and how to protect themselves on the internet.

Fredrik Kjell - Truecaller, Sweden

A high volume of scam callers realized during the COVID-19 pandemic with 59% of Americans reporting that they have received a scam call that is COVID-19 related. $59.2 million lost in phone scams comes to an average of $502 per person.

Jack Whittaker - Cybercrime Researcher at University of Surrey, UK

An eye-opening research questionnaire on “Why Do Consumers Get Scammed? (Or Not)” reveals that a majority of consumers think they are able to identify scams and avoid them, yet most also admit to getting scammed.

Mohammed Iraqi - Consumer Protection Association, Saudi Arabia

Financial scams are on the rise as the CPA creates a reporting platform for consumers and collaborates with local anti-fraud bodies, banks and the government of Saudi Arabia. Scam incident reporting and awareness through fraud stories of other consumers are at the forefront of the fight.

Katie Lips - Which?, UK

Findings by Which?, a UK consumer protection association shows that consumers can’t spot scams as they are busy trying to shop and enjoy their time online. Therefore, they cannot always be expected to stay vigilant. Cybersecurity experts must come up with consumer protection mechanisms on the internet. 

Nicola Staub - CYBERA.io, USA

CYBERA helps consumers get their money back by using technology to disrupt financially motivated cybercrime. The organization sees banks as the solution to turning the tide in the fight against cybercrime. Faster sharing of information of fraudulent transactions with the banks can immediately block money transfers.

Cindy Liebes - Cybercrime Support Network (CSN), USA

Private-public collaboration that is working to create awareness through programs for victims of cybercrime. There is a serious gap to fill as far as consumer awareness goes.

Graciela Martinez - LACNIC CSIRT, South America

The organization promotes cybersecurity through consumer awareness programs like security training conferences, incident reporting, security alerts and sharing

Katsumi Ono - Japan Cybercrime Control Centre (JC3), Japan

Unauthorized money transfers effected through phishing attacks are the leading scam in Japan's banking sector. JC3 has an anti-phishing network that identifies, and responds to phishing attacks by taking down the sources. 

Vladimir Dimitrov - Bulgarian Cybercrime Unit, Bulgaria

Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams cause losses in millions for small and big companies alike in Bulgaria. Phishing tactics are used to compromise email accounts and use them to defraud companies. 

Peter Depuydt - Europol

Fostering cooperation among EU member countries, Non-EU countries, private partners, civilians and victims is a must to combat cybercrime effectively.

Donna Gregory - FBI IC3, USA

IC3 co-operates with homeland security for enforcement of investigated cybercrime in both private and public sectors. Complaints are assessed for trends and used to develop consumer awareness through tools and reports on the website. 

Glen Kuo Lun Hong - CIB, Taiwan

The “165 Hotline Service” in Taiwan has been set up for receiving complaints for fraud crimes in Taiwan. CIB has cross country co-operation for the most prevalent scams.

Panel Discussion - How To Win the War

• Jayde Richmond - ACCC, Australia

The ACCC monitors and shares information with the government of Australia, law enforcement and private sector and also improves its own responsiveness to emerging trends in cybercrime.

• Laureen Kapin - Federal Trade Commission (FTC), USA

Charging cybersecurity organizations to be better warriors in the fight against internet scams through using technology tools and embracing greater cooperation with each other. The FTC caters for both businesses and consumers. 

• Dillon Thomas - World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Switzerland

Fighting copyright infringement through WIPO Alert, an online platform that authorized bodies and member states can use to upload details of apps and websites infringing on their intellectual property. 

To view the talks from Day 1 of GOSS 2021, click here.