Netsafe, a New Zealand-based online safety organization, has unveiled a powerful new weapon in the fight against scammers. The organization has relaunched ReScam.org, an advanced AI tool specifically designed to waste scammers' time and prevent them from successfully targeting new victims. Re:Scam was first introduced in 2017 but has since undergone significant enhancements, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to engage scammers in endless conversations that are virtually indistinguishable from interactions with real individuals.
The tool utilizes multiple personalities and an expanding vocabulary, making it extremely difficult for scammers to realize they are communicating with a bot. Users are encouraged to forward suspicious emails to [email protected], where the system can take over and divert scammers' attention. According to Brent Carey, the CEO of Netsafe, the impact of Re:Scam has been substantial since its initial release. “When Re:Scam was first developed back in 2017, the game of cat and mouse sent more than a million emails to scammers, wasting a total of more than five years of their time,” Carey stated.
The cost of scams to the New Zealand economy is staggering, estimated at NZD $2 billion annually, representing 0.85% of the country’s GDP in 2023. Despite these alarming figures, the response to scams in New Zealand has been described as lagging behind other regions in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). There have been calls from the government for banks to invest in technological upgrades to combat this pervasive issue.
Research conducted by Netsafe and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance has revealed the significant emotional impact scams have on victims, with 53% of New Zealand respondents reporting significant distress after falling victim to a scam. Sadly, only a fraction of scam incidents are reported to law enforcement, with limited police resources being stretched thin. Furthermore, a mere 15% of individuals who attempt to recover funds lost to scams are successful.
To address these challenges, Netsafe has been rolling out new scam-busting tools and services on a monthly basis this year. These efforts are in line with their “State of Scams” report published at the end of 2023. Noteworthy initiatives include the Get Set Up for Safety toolkit, funded by Chorus, which focuses on preventing scams among seniors. Netsafe has also established partnerships with organizations in the banking, cryptocurrency, and telecommunications sectors, such as Cybera, Dolla, and Akau, to provide victims with more options for recovering their losses.
Brent Carey emphasized the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating scams in New Zealand. He stated, “New Zealand’s scam prevention and redress model needs the whole ecosystem to be mobilized to combat scams efficiently and effectively.” While Netsafe cannot single-handedly bring about regulatory or legislative changes or implement technological advancements in the banking system, they have 25 years' experience in harm prevention education and operate an award-winning online harms and scams helpline that provides a trusted channel for reporting scams.
In addition to domestic efforts, Netsafe is expanding its international collaborations to incorporate best practices from around the world. As part of this endeavor, the organization is hosting a virtual meeting of the Oceania chapter of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance during Netsafety Week. Furthermore, Netsafe has joined the Cyber Helpline, an international non-profit organization aimed at deploying cybersecurity tools, services, and programs on a global scale.
Brent Carey concluded by highlighting Netsafe’s commitment to helping New Zealanders navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently. The introduction of these new initiatives demonstrates their dedication to innovation, collaboration, and proactive action against online scams. With their helpline processing around 15,000 scam reports annually, Netsafe plans to continue releasing more scam-busting tools throughout 2024 and into 2025.
In the ongoing battle against scammers, Netsafe’s Re:Scam.org represents a significant advancement. By utilizing advanced AI technology, the organization is effectively turning the tables on scammers and diverting their attention away from potential victims. With the continued development of anti-scam initiatives, Netsafe is paving the way for a safer digital environment in New Zealand and beyond.
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