A Safe and Scam-Free Holiday Season
Helping people protect themselves from online scams is a major part of Gen’s Purpose to Power Digital Freedom. Survey data from Gen shows that more than a third (35%) of Americans have been targeted by a scam this year, with 74% of victims being financially impacted. During the holiday season, those threats rise even higher. Fake shopping sites, spoofed delivery notices and too-good-to-be-true online deals all surge as scammers take advantage of busy, distracted consumers.
From the trusted technology made by our cybersecurity brands like Avast, which recently wrapped up its 12 Days of Scam-mas campaign, to nonprofits reaching vulnerable communities, we’re committed to making sure everyone has the tools to stay safe across all corners of their digital lives.
Teaming Up to Increase Access to Critical Resources
A key partner in our work to combat online scams is the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), which helps prevent and reduce the impact of identity theft, scams and fraud.
We collaborate with ITRC throughout the year to highlight specific risks to personal data, including mobile scams, romance scams and impersonation phishing. In December, ITRC partnered with Gen on a downloadable PDF that shares tips on how to protect yourself and your identity during the holiday season. ITRC will also include a year-end roundup of how to recognize common scams on its Fraudian Slip podcast, a recurring monthly feature on the organization’s main podcast feed.
We also support LifeSmarts, the National Consumers League’s flagship youth consumer education program, which empowers teens with real-world knowledge, fraud prevention skills and critical thinking tools to make safe and informed decisions in today’s digital and consumer marketplace. Gen’s support not only allows for financial literacy content development for students in high school and college; it also underwrites scholarships for LifeSmarts participants and alumni.
Sharing Anti-Scam Expertise with Industry Peers
Gen also invests in the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and recently joined their North America Summit. This Summit brings together leaders in finance, government and cybersecurity to share best practices and advance digital safety. Kim Allman, Gen’s Head of Corporate Responsibility & Government Affairs, spoke on two panels about the impacts AI is having on the landscape of scams and fraud, as well as how industry and policy leaders can work together to disrupt cyber fraud that targets global infrastructures.
"In today's threat landscape, factors like anonymity, rapid scalability, and cross-border operations are making cyber-enabled fraud increasingly formidable," Allman said. "At the GASA summit, one thing was clear: Industry leaders and policymakers must work hand-in-hand to keep pace with these changes and disrupt this new wave of AI-driven fraud. Alongside our industry partners, Gen’s real-world operational insights can shape smarter policies, strengthen defenses across sectors, and support the education needed to empower consumers."
For Gen’s latest research into emerging trends in online scams and cyberattacks, view our latest Threat Report, and for more information on how we work with our nonprofit partners on digital education and training, check out our Social Impact Report.
