Date of Event: 26–27 March 2025
Event: Global Anti-Scam Summit London 2025
In one of the most emotionally resonant sessions of the summit, author Becky Holmes closed Day 1 with a deeply personal yet sharply critical talk on romance fraud. What began as a humorous look at social media scammers quickly evolved into a compelling argument for reframing how society views and supports victims.
Holmes recounted how lockdown boredom and a wave of fake profiles on Twitter led her to start engaging with scammers—an experience that later formed the basis of her book Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love with You . Her light-hearted “scambaiting” posts gained popularity, but also brought her into contact with real victims of romance fraud, many of whom had never shared their experiences before.
Through stories of women like Franchesca, Sue, and a couple misidentified as criminals by their own bank, Holmes laid bare the devastating psychological impact of romance scams. She critiqued the failure of institutions—from banks to ombudsmen—to provide timely and compassionate support, often leaving victims to battle shame, debt, and disbelief alone.
Drawing parallels between romance fraud and coercive control in abusive relationships, Holmes dismantled myths about gullibility and called for urgent improvements in victim support. She stressed that scams exploit fundamental human needs—love, trust, and connection—and that language like “falling for a scam” only reinforces blame. Her talk ended with a powerful reminder: the common denominator among victims is not stupidity, but kindness.
Reinventing Fraud Detection Through Digital Fingerprinting and Link Analysis
A Microsoft white paper examines how digital fingerprinting and link analysis shift fraud detection from isolated events to connected, network-level intelligence.
On the Frontlines: Fighting AI-Powered Scams & Fraud
Experts from Microsoft, OpenAI, Google and C4ADS share how AI is shaping scams and how to fight back.
Telecoms on the Front Line: GASA at the Stimson Center Dialogue on Combating Scams
According to GASA’s Global State of Scams Report, telecommunications channels—voice and SMS in particular—remain a predominant “front door” for scams.
What Really Works in Preventing Fraud Against Older Adults? Insights from Frontline Practitioners
Expert insights on preventing fraud against older adults, highlighting the role of technology, targeted education, bank intervention, and coordinated partnerships.
Brazil’s BC Protege+ Blocks Fake Bank Accounts Before They Can Be Opened
Brazil’s Central Bank launched BC Protege+, allowing individuals and businesses to block bank account openings in their name. With over 1 million activations, the tool offers a structural model for reducing identity-based fraud.
-1.jpeg)
From Vienna to Global Action: Key Takeaways from the UN Global Fraud Summit
Explore key insights from our participation at the UNODC's Global Fraud Summit in Vienna. Discover how AI is changing the scam landscape, the power of national anti-scam centres, and the introduction of the Public-Private Partnership Framework to protect communities from fraud.
League of Protectors: Women Fighting Against Scams
Explore key insights from our International Women’s Month webinar on combating scams. Discover how women leaders are driving cross-border collaboration, digital literacy, and collective action to protect communities from fraud.
The Real Gap in Fraud Defense Is Strategy, Not AI
Fraud losses keep rising despite advances in AI detection. The real challenge is fragmented strategy across banks, platforms, telcos and governments. Effective scam prevention requires coordination, shared signals and earlier intervention.