The coronavirus crisis has caused a huge surge in the number of online scams. Belgium, India, New Zealand, Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United States all reported increases in the number of online fraud reports between 20% and 70%.
There are numerous individuals and organizations who are contributing to the fight against online scams in their own way. This includes everyone from average consumers who are raising awareness about scams to law enforcement authorities who are actively working to put scammers behind bars. Scamadviser.com organized its ‘Scamfighter of the Year’ contest in an effort to recognize the various individuals and organizations who are fighting the good fight against scams.
All the nominees were chosen by users of Scamadviser.com. In all, eleven individuals and organizations each were nominated to run for the title of ‘Scamfighter of the Year’. After weeks of voting, the users have picked who they think deserve to be called the ‘Scamfighter of the Year’.
Peter Depuydt, Head of Office at Europol, wins in the ‘Individual’ category
In the ‘Individual’ category, Peter Depuydt rose as the winner. For 5 years, Peter has been the Senior Specialist and Team leader of Europol's Analysis Project APATE. He has been a key player in developing international cooperation with non-European countries and enhancing public-private partnership. “If it is too good to be true, it is probably a fraud. I hope this might motivate all scam fighters to continue their important work to protect victimised persons and companies all over the world”, said Peter with regards to his win.
The second place in the category was a tie between Julie Wilson and James Greening. Julie is dedicated to exposing all kinds of online scams through her Facebook page ‘Scam Alert Global’ that has more than 15,000 followers. James runs the blog Fake Website Buster and has published more than 200 analyses of scammy websites.
Cybercrime Support Network wins in the ‘Organization’ category
In the ‘Organization’ category, the Cybercrime Support Network came out on top. The Cybercrime Support Network, a 501(c)(3), is a public-private, nonprofit collaboration created to serve individuals and small businesses impacted by cybercrime. As a leading voice for cybercrime victims, CSN is dedicated to serving those affected by the ever-growing impact of cybercrime before, during, and after the crime occurs. Kristin Judge, CEO & President of CSN had the following to say, “This recognition is a testament to the mission-driven team at CSN who works every day to serve people who have been scammed and try to prevent people from being scammed. We appreciate our partners at Scamadvisor for starting this contest. Each of the organizations listed are doing great work. Together, we are making a difference.”
The runner-up in the category was the anti-counterfeiting network React. The not-for-profit organization has over 30 years experience and has in excess of 300 business members covering all sectors of industry.
While every nominated individual and organization are brilliant in their scamfighting efforts, the outstanding work done by Peter Depuydt and Cybercrime Support Network has netted them the title of ‘Scamfighter of the Year’ in their respective categories.
The work done by the nominees of the ‘Scamfighter of the Year’ contest is of no small importance. In 2019, €36 billion was lost to online scams, with projections estimating a 40% growth in 2020. Only with continued endeavours and close cooperation can scams be prevented and scammers punished.
