Scam Spotter

Scam Spotter is a consumer outreach initiative from FightCybercrime and Google to help fight scams. Its goal is to raise awareness, provide easy to understand information and stop people from getting scammed. We worked alongside Sandy Russell Creative to create the brand identity, website, and a series of animated videos to bring the initiative to life.

Everywhere and everyone

When the initiative launched in 2021, most scams involved gift cards and targeted seniors. But now scams are everywhere and affecting everyone; Gen Z, Gen X, Baby Boomers, Gen Alpha. Scammers are on all types of platforms and AI can give them wider reach. Scams aren't rare anymore — they're routine.

Hand holding a phone showing the Scam Spotter about page

Know your scams

Instead of focusing on the worst case scenarios, we focused on everyday avoidance of scams. We wanted to prepare people to spot a scam, no matter what form it might take. No scare tactics. Just smart habits.

Illustrated scam tactic cards on blue; one reads "Someone asks for your personal information to solve a problem"

Leading with character

We partnered with Con McHugh on illustration and animation. His exceptional work brought memorable character to the forefront of the project. Con has an ability to make the abstract feel approachable, the complex feel human. His illustration invites people in, makes them smile, and engages them with helpful information.