This research working group session brings together experts to explore emerging insights into scam prevention and disruption.

Professor Mark Button (University of Portsmouth) will present Disrupting Scammers: What Can We Learn from Scambaiters?, sharing interim findings from ongoing research into how scambaiters disrupt scammers. Based on analysis of over 60 scambaiters active on social media, more than 50 disruptive techniques have been identified. The presentation will highlight some of the most interesting, innovative, and controversial methods used, and explore key considerations for organisations looking to learn from these approaches.

Molly Maclean (Opinium) will present The State of Scams in Europe. Drawing on insights from 22,260 respondents, this session explores how Europeans are being scammed, the channels used, reporting behaviours, and the methods applied to identify scams. Alongside key findings from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance report, the session will also allow time for discussion, including questions on the study and suggestions for future survey topics.