Date of Event: 26–27 March 2025
Event: Global Anti-Scam Summit London 2025
In a harrowing solo session, Paul Raffile, Senior Intelligence Analyst and Investigator, exposed the disturbing rise of sextortion scams targeting minors and the tragic outcomes that follow. Based on in-depth research and personal engagement with victims’ families, Raffile described how financial sextortion—often carried out by organised cybercriminal networks based in Nigeria—has led to a shocking wave of suicides among teenagers worldwide.
Raffile presented case studies of teens from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia who were manipulated, blackmailed, and driven to take their own lives within hours of being contacted. He showed how these scams follow near-identical scripts, indicating mass-scale industrialised exploitation by “Yahoo boys,” who openly share techniques via social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook.
Beyond highlighting the problem, Raffile pointed to promising progress: increased public awareness, policy changes at platforms such as Meta, safety enhancements on Snapchat, and the takedown of apps like Wizz. He also advocated for more proactive intervention from governments, banks, and tech firms—including improving content moderation, restricting underage access, and disrupting the financial flows enabling these crimes.
The session was a sobering reminder of the urgency of action. As Raffile concluded, sextortion is not only the most dangerous scam—it is the most deadly.
Research Working Group Meeting: Fraudulent Tickets and Robocall Scam Tactics
Research presented to GASA examines consumers’ ability to spot fraudulent tickets and tactics found across 4.49 million scam and spam robocalls.
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Fighting Fraud Without Borders: Cross-Regional Collaboration in Latin America and Beyond
A roundtable at GASS America examined cross-regional collaboration in Latin America and beyond, focusing on fraud prevention, consumer protection and response.
GASA Mexico and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hold Working Meeting Ahead of the Chapter’s Annual Forum, “From Coalition to Action”
GASA Mexico and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened Mastercard and Scotiabank to discuss fraud, cybersecurity, information sharing and emerging technologies.
GASA Mexico Workshop Examines the Role of Journalism in Digital Scam Prevention
GASA Mexico brought together journalists and editors to discuss digital scams, victim-centred reporting and the role of media in scam prevention.
Brazil Anti-Scam Forum 2026: Key Takeaways on Strengthening Scam Prevention in Brazil
Key insights from the Brazil Anti-Scam Forum 2026 on scam trends, prevention, intelligence sharing and cross-sector collaboration.
GASA Consumer Education Working Group Develops 5-Step Response Plan for Scam Victims
GASA’s Consumer Education Working Group sets out a five-step response plan that organisations can use and share to support people affected by scams.
GASA and UNODC Partner to Strengthen Global Response to Organised Fraud
GASA and UNODC sign an MoU to strengthen international cooperation on fraud prevention, research, criminal justice responses and awareness.
Meet the Winners – Scam Fighter Awards at the Global Anti-Scam Summit America 2026
Meet the winners of the Scam Fighter Awards at the Global Anti-Scam Summit America 2026 and learn about their work in education, research, collaboration and technology.