The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) is thrilled to present the 2025 edition of the Scam Fighter Awards, celebrating the efforts of individuals, organizations, and initiatives worldwide in the fight against scams.
This year’s event has been nothing but extraordinary, with an overwhelming 750 nominations from across the globe. Each nomination represents collaboration, resilience, and innovation in fighting scams.
From new advanced tools to impactful campaigns, the Scam Fighter Awards highlight the players leading the way in safeguarding consumers.
Let’s find out who the 2025 winners are for each category!
Runners-up for Individual of the Year
Alexander Ramos : Executive Director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (Philippines). He is a recognized figure in the field of advance computer science studies and computer forensics and was named the 2007 Timothy Fidel Awardee for the successful investigation and combating a global network of cyberterrorists which attempted to paralyze and take control of major telecommunication networks worldwide.
Dr. Reuben Ng: addressed the multifaceted challenges of scams, creating lasting impact on global and national levels. Two initiatives illustrate his commitment:
The Anti-Scam Handbook, which was unveiled at the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2024, solidifying its position as an indispensable resource in the fight against scams.
Nationwide Study with United Overseas Bank, which provided a deeper understanding of scam vulnerabilities, but also empowered banks and policymakers to develop targeted interventions, fostering digital resilience across society.
GASA Scam Fighter of the Year (Individual of the Year): Kitboga
Kitboga is a popular Twitch streamer and YouTuber who specializes in scam baiting. He interacts with scammers to waste their time, expose their tactics, and educate his audience. By pretending to be a vulnerable victim, he demonstrates the ways scammers use to exploit people.
This renowned Scam Fighter has also developed a free tool to help individuals identify and avoid scams, enhancing his impact that goes beyond his online content.
Three jury members nominated him for his dedication, his educational approach, and his innovative contributions to scam prevention.
“I'm so honored to be chosen as the 2024 Scam Fighter of the Year. What started for me 7 years ago as a small effort to fight scams has grown so much. Working alongside groups like yourself has been instrumental. I owe a lot to the entire team behind me, both at Seraph Secure and the Kitboga show. Thank you for this recognition and for all the important work you do! Together, we can make the world a safer place.” - Kitboga
Runners-up for Tool of the Year
F-Secure – Scam Protection : Empowers users to navigate their digital lives with confidence and security by delivering proactive protection against a wide range of online threats:
SMS scams: Automatically filters harmful text messages using AI-powered detection, blocking threats before they can reach the user.
Banking scams: Verifies authentic banking sites and secures transactions, ensuring payments remain safe from tampering or interception.
Phishing links and malicious websites: Blocks access to scam sites via links, warns about suspicious web pages, and provides color-coded search results for safer browsing.
Seraph Secure : Here are some key features:
Block Scam Websites: Utilizes advanced AI technology to detect and block access to thousands of known scam websites, preventing users from inadvertently visiting malicious sites.
Prevent Unauthorized Remote Access: Scammers often use remote access software to gain control over victims' computers. Seraph Secure detects and blocks such unauthorized access attempts, ensuring the safety of your device.
Real-Time Alerts: Provides instant notifications via text and email when potential threats are detected.
GASA Scam Fighter Awards Tool of the Year: BioCatch Scout
BioCatch Scout is an advanced technology solution that helps detect scam-related transactions. It uses behavioral biometrics to monitor users’ interactions and identify unusual patterns that may indicate suspicious activity.
Apart from detection, the tool can block transactions in real-time and provide actionable insights for investigators, enabling financial institutions to prevent money laundering and other fraud tactics.
BioCatch Scout was recognized by two jury members for its potential to make a systemic impact. Its ability to empower financial institutions to address scams at the source, particularly in money laundering networks, stood out.
Runners-up for Organization of the Year
Silverguard: is the digital guardian of "silver" money. They believe that all Brazilians should use the best of technology without worrying about financial scams. In 2023, they launched SOS Golpe, a free service that supports thousands of victims daily, increasing the chances of recovering scam money.
SCARS Institute: SCARS Institute of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Is a Worldwide Nonprofit Cybercrime Victims’ Assistance, Support, and Advocacy Organization focused on the support of relationship scam victims worldwide; and the detection, deterrence, and eventual elimination of global online scams in all its forms.
Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (Philippines): The agency introduced various measures and engaged various sectors in fighting cybercrime in the Philippines. They trained around 10,000 CICC personnel and other government enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Immigration.
GASA Scam Fighter Awards Organization of the Year: OIAT – Watchlist Internet
The Online Investigation and Awareness Team (OIAT) operates the "Watchlist Internet," an educational platform that raises awareness about scams and fraud.
The platform provides detailed information on various types of scams, their modus operandi, and tips for prevention. It serves as a global resource, helping users from different regions understand and combat online threats.
With nominations from two jury members, OIAT’s Watchlist Internet was celebrated for its global reach and informative content.
Thorsten Behrens, project manager of Watchlist Internet at OIAT: “This success would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and support of the community: namely our users who report cases of fraud on a daily basis, but also our partners in Austria and internationally. Thank you!”
Runners-up for Awareness Campaign of the Year
Scam Watch Pilipinas: Truth360 Inc., in collaboration with CICC, launched Scam Watch Pilipinas in September 2023 to combat online scams by reporting to hotline 1326. Key achievements include: 1) generating 551 media exposures valued at P711.8 million from September 2023 -April 2024, 2) reaching 619 million people on social media, 3) receiving 11,776 scam reports through the 1326 hotline that provided intelligence to law enforcement agencies, leading to the apprehension of scammers and the closure of 11 major scam hubs.
Cybersecurity Agency of Singapore (CSA): The (CSA) was formed in 2015 and has been given the task of protecting Singapore’s cyberspace. It is part of the Prime Minister’s Office and is managed by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI). The SecureMobilePilot (SMP) initiative is designed to safeguard personal mobile devices used by Singapore’s Whole-of-Government (WOG) officers against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, including phishing attacks, malicious applications, and network intrusions.
GASA Scam Fighter Awards Awareness Campaign of the Year: AARP Fraud Watch Network
AARP Fraud Watch Network is an initiative focused on protecting older adults from scams. It provides resources, tools, and guidance tailored to the needs of seniors, who are often targeted by scammers.
The campaign also relies heavily on volunteer efforts to reach a broader audience, offering workshops, newsletters, and direct support to those more at risk.
Two jury members highlighted AARP’s critical work in addressing scams towards older demographics.
“We’ve worked with intention to broaden our reach with fraud prevention messaging. Our approach is to meet people where they are – in person in communities around the country, virtually through webinars and other offerings, online at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork , and through our award-winning podcast, The Perfect Scam.”
Runners-up for Cross-Industry Initiative of the Year
Mastercard: Mastercard is an inaugural member of the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program (Aspen FSP) National Task Force for Fraud & Scam Prevention, an initiative that brings together leading stakeholders from government, law enforcement, private industry, and civil society to develop a nation-wide strategy aimed at helping prevent fraud and scams in the U.S.
Google and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore: In February 2024, Google, in collaboration with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), launched an enhanced security feature within Google Play Protect to combat malware-enabled scams on Android devices. This initiative aims to prevent the installation of potentially harmful apps obtained through internet sideloading—downloading apps from sources other than the official Google Play Store.
Operation Shamrock: launched in April 2023, Operation Shamrock is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to combating cyber-enabled crimes, notably "pig butchering" scams. The operation emphasizes a collaborative approach, engaging diplomats, data analysts, law enforcement, and the general public. It offers avenues for individuals to contribute by educating communities, publicizing awareness campaigns, and sharing specialized skills.
GASA Scam Fighter Awards Cross-Industry Initiative of the Year: Chainalysis’ Operation Spincaster
Operation Spincaster is a collaboration between Chainalysis (a blockchain analytics firm), public agencies, and private sector partners.
The initiative focuses on combating cryptocurrency-related fraud by leveraging blockchain’s transparency to identify fraudulent activities and compromised wallets.
Through international coordination, Operation Spincaster has conducted operations involving law enforcement and cryptocurrency exchanges to disrupt transnational scam networks.
This initiative was acknowledged for its effective collaboration across sectors. Its innovative use of blockchain technology to tackle fraud in the cryptocurrency space was seen as a model for future efforts against transnational scams.
"I'm honored to be recognized at GASA's Scam Fighter Awards, and in particular for cross-industry collaboration. There is no silver bullet when it comes to fighting scams – it's crucial for us all to work together to share data, educate each other on new scamming tactics, raise awareness, and bring bad actors to justice. As scammers get more sophisticated, so must we, and I'm grateful to be a part of the GASA community at the forefront of this issue." - Scott Johnston
GASA Scam Fighter Awards 2025 Jury and Final Considerations
The 2025 jury panel consisted of 5 renowned experts :
Glen Prichard, Chief - Cybercrime and Anti-Money Laundering, UNODC;
Nazia Karrim, Head - Product Development, Southern African Fraud Prevention Service;
Matthew Noyes, Cyber Policy & Strategy Director at U.S. Secret Service;
Bernard Jungwirth Managing Director, "Österreichisches Institut für angewandte Telekommunikation" (ÖIAT);
Dr. Alesandro Barreto, Police Delegate and Coordinator - Cyber Operations Laboratory, National Secretariat of Public Security, Brazil.
The 2025 scam fighter awards winners represent a diverse array of efforts in combating scams, from individual activism to technological innovation, global education, and cross-sector collaboration. Congratulations to all of them and thank you to all participants!
Let’s keep joining forces in the fight against scams and protect consumers!
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