How I Turned into a Hacker - Salwa van der Gaag - Global Anti-Scam Summit Europe 2024

Date of Event: 2024-06-24

Event: Global Anti-Scam Summit Europe 2024

At the Global Anti-Scam Summit Europe 2024, Salwa van der Gaag, a journalist and presenter from the Dutch TV network NOS , shared her personal experience of being hacked. In March, Salwa's social media accounts were compromised, and she discovered that her identity had been stolen and misused across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X. She recounts the distress of finding out she had lost access to her accounts and how her online persona was transformed into a variety of fake profiles.

Salwa details her investigative journey, collaborating with a cybersecurity expert to uncover how easily phishing scams can be set up and executed. They found numerous identical scam websites and learned about the widespread and organized nature of these fraudulent activities. Despite contacting victims and collecting their stories, Salwa emphasized the lack of effective support for those affected and highlighted the ease with which such scams can be perpetrated.

She concludes by calling attention to the need for better aftercare for victims and stricter controls on web hosting services that enable such fraudulent sites to exist. Her story underscored the pervasive threat of online scams and the importance of enhanced cybersecurity measures and victim support systems.

Jun 23, 2024

1 minute read

From Cyberattack to Scam: How Cybersecurity Protects Businesses and People

GASA Brazil experts discuss how cybersecurity, better data and cross-sector cooperation can prevent scams and disrupt criminal networks.

Best Practices Topic - Fraud Prevention Video Topic - Scam Detection

How Amazon Uses AI to Help Consumers Verify Suspicious Messages

How Amazon Is Helping Consumers Verify Messages and Avoid Impersonation Scams

Explore how Amazon uses AI and outgoing communication records to verify suspicious messages and inform approaches to impersonation scam prevention.

Best Practices Topic - Scam Reporting Region - Global Topic - Scam Detection

Whoscall, GASA and Mastercard Release the 2026 Asia Scam Report: Hong Kong

More Than 80% of Hong Kong Respondents Encountered Scams; Phone Calls and SMS Remain the Leading Channels

Research Scam Trends Topic - Fraud Research Region - Asia-Pacific

Operation Serengeti III: How Collaboration Is Curbing Scams in Africa

INTERPOL’s Operation Serengeti III led to 1,462 arrests and recovered USD 105M+ across 21 countries. GASA was proud to support it as a partner.

Research News Topic - Scam Reporting Topic - Fraud Prevention

71% of Adults Surveyed Across 13 Asian Markets Encountered Scams, with Estimated Losses of US$136.5 Billion

This study of 17,460 adults across 13 Asian markets shows that scam exposure is widespread, with 71% of participants encountering a scam in the past year. While 66% say they are confident in recognizing scams, 62% of those exposed went on to interact with a scammer. Ultimately, 9% lost money or personal information that led to financial loss, while only 4% reported a scam to the authorities. The findings highlight a significant gap between perceived scam awareness and real-world resilience.

Report News Scam Trends Topic - Fraud Research

3 Ways to Prevent Cross-Border Payment Scams in Mexico

Learn three ways financial institutions can prevent cross-border payment scams in Mexico through intelligence sharing, payee transparency and real-time analysis.

Best Practices Scam Trends Topic - Fraud Research Industry - Financial Authorities

GASA Africa Chapter & Google South Africa Trust & Safety Workshop

Accra Trust & Safety Workshop Turns Collaboration into Action Against Scams and Fraud in West Africa

GASA Africa Chapter and Google South Africa brought anti-fraud leaders together to strengthen cross-border cooperation and scam prevention.

News Topic - Fraud Prevention Topic - Data Sharing Topic - Scam Detection

State of Scams in Nigeria 2026: A Comparative Review Across Africa

Nigerian experts examine scam trends, technology, consumer protection and the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration.

Research Best Practices Industry - National Cyber Security Centers (NCSCs) Topic - Scam Reporting