Online scams are the most reported type of crime. Most countries now state that between 20%-50% of all crimes reported are related to online fraud. This is only the tip of the iceberg, as only 7% of all scam victims report the crime to law enforcement. With approximately $1.026 trillion lost last year, affecting 1-in-4 individuals worldwide, fast action is required.

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On November 12-13 in Arlington, VA, USA, the Global Anti-Scam Summit (GASS) Americas will take place. The goal of the Summit is to bring governments, consumer & financial authorities, law enforcement, brand protection agencies, and (cybersecurity) companies together to share knowledge and define joint actions to protect consumers from getting scammed.

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The inaugural GASS Americas follows the Global Anti-Scam Summit Europe, held in June 2024, which saw participation from more than 1,200 virtual and 365 physical guests from 100+ countries. GASS America will be similarly organized in hybrid style. Last year's event focused on further defining the 10 Recommendations to Turn the Tide on Scams, underscoring the imperative for unified action against the increasingly sophisticated networks behind online scams.

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In 2024, there will be three GASS events, with editions spanning three continents for the first time in our history. America and Asia will each host their own GASS event, with the European GASS entering its fifth year. GASS Asia aims to fortify the global network of anti-scam forces by fostering collaboration.

Together, these stakeholders can pool resources, share intelligence, and devise coordinated strategies to disrupt and dismantle the intricate networks perpetrating online scams. Only through concerted and unified action can we effectively combat the pervasive threat of online fraud.