Netsafe NZ’s approach to remediation for scam victims, Andrea Leask, Netsafe NZ - Global Anti-Scam Summit Europe 2024

Netsafe NZ’s Approach to Remediation for Scam Victims

Date of recording: 2024-06-24

Event: Global Anti-Scam Summit Europe 2024

Andrea Leask from Netsafe New Zealand presented on their efforts in scam victim support at the Global Anti-Scam Summit Europe 2024 on June 24. Netsafe, a small charity with a team of 30, has been providing a helpline since 1998, focusing on consumer protection through education, awareness campaigns, and legislative lobbying.

Andrea highlighted Netsafe's status as a trusted flagger, allowing them to quickly get scam content removed from major platforms. In 2023, they received 15,000 scam reports with losses around $1 million USD. The most common scams included online shopping, fake investments, and romance scams.

Andrea introduced three key initiatives: Rescam, Netsafe AI Assistant, and their sextortion response. Rescam, an AI chatbot that imitates victims to waste scammers' time, was relaunched with ChatGPT technology in 2024. The Netsafe AI Assistant is a prototype that helps users verify the legitimacy of sites, emails, and images, providing advice based on Netsafe's database. Their sextortion response offers to contact offenders with the victim's consent, explaining the legal implications. This approach is particularly effective with local offenders motivated by revenge or bullying.

Andrea emphasized that combating scams requires collaboration among all stakeholders, including major platforms like Google and Meta. AI, while a tool for scammers, is also crucial for developing smarter countermeasures. Netsafe is committed to fighting scams through innovative tools and community collaboration, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach to effectively protect consumers.

During the Q&A session, Anna Martin from the European Consumer Organization stressed the need for systemic players like Meta and Google to take more action under the Digital Services Act, rather than placing the responsibility solely on individual consumers. Andrea agreed on the shared responsibility and highlighted Netsafe's dual focus on prevention and victim remediation, stressing the importance of collective efforts in the ecosystem.

Jun 24, 2024

2 minute read

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.

News Region - Global Topic - Fraud Policy Industry - Policy Makers

Recognising excellence in combating scams at the Scam Fighter Awards in America

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.

News Topic - Data Sharing Topic - Scam Awareness Region - Global

Turning Fraud Data Into Actionable Intelligence

From Information Sharing to Intelligence Production: GASA Mexico in Forbes

Sissi de la Peña, Director of the GASA Mexico Chapter, examines in Forbes México what the U.S. memorandum on cyber operations against fraud networks means for the country.

Best Practices Topic - Fraud Prevention Topic - Data Sharing Industry - Financial Authorities

GASA Africa Chapter & Google South Africa Trust & Safety Workshop

GASA and Google Trust & Safety Workshop Sets Priorities for Anti-Scam Cooperation Across 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

Allstate Identity Protections joins GASA

Allstate Identity Protection Joins the Global Anti-Scam Alliance to Strengthen the Fight Against Scams and Identity Theft

Allstate Identity Protection has joined the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) as a Corporate Member within the North America Chapter.

News Topic - Fraud Prevention Topic - Scam Detection Industry - Financial Authorities

GASA and Whoscall Release 2026 Asia Scam Report – Taiwan

The 2026 Asia Scam Report – Taiwan, provides an in-depth look at scam exposure, channels, victim experiences, and scam awareness among people in Taiwan.

Research Industry - Telecom Operators / Hosts Scam Trends Region - Asia-Pacific

BanCoppel joins the Global Anti-Scam Alliance to bolster fraud prevention and safeguard individuals entering the banking system.

BanCoppel has joined the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) as a Corporate Member of the GASA Mexico Chapter.

News Topic - Fraud Prevention Topic - Scam Awareness Industry - Financial Authorities

The emotions scammers exploit: how social engineering influences our decisions

How scammers use fear, urgency, excitement and trust to influence decisions, and how recognising these tactics can help people prevent fraud.

Topic - Scam Awareness Video Scam Trends Region - Latin America

Netsafe NZ’s approach to remediation for scam victims, Andrea Leask, Netsafe NZ - Global Anti-Scam Summit Europe 2024