A new public scam awareness initiative is launched to combat the annual surge in online fraud. The Tech Against Scams Coalition (TASC) has unveiled the Scamberry Pie campaign, a holiday-themed effort focused on helping users recognize and avoid seasonal scams.
What Is the Scamberry Pie Campaign?
The Scamberry Pie campaign 2025 is a public education initiative designed to make scam awareness more accessible and memorable. By using a holiday-themed metaphor, TASC aims to cut through the noise of the busy season and draw attention to the rising threat of online fraud.
The purpose is to provide clear, actionable information on scam prevention. The launch comes amid growing concerns from law enforcement and consumer protection agencies about sophisticated fraud attempts that typically spike during periods of high online activity and charitable giving.
Who Leads and Supports the Initiative?
TASC, the Tech Against Scams Coalition, is leading the effort. The coalition is an alliance of technology, financial, and crypto companies focused on disrupting scam ecosystems through collaboration and data sharing.
The Scamberry Pie campaign has support from key industry partners including Ripple, Coinbase, Cash App, and Match Group. It also has backing from the National Cyber Alliance (NCA). This multi-industry collaboration is critical, as scams often originate on one platform, such as a social media or dating app, and culminate on another, like a crypto exchange or payment service.
Why Holiday Scams Are Increasing
The holiday season creates a perfect environment for fraudsters. Increased online shopping, travel planning, and charitable donations lead to a higher volume of financial transactions and digital interactions.
Common holiday scam patterns include fake giveaways promising extravagant gifts, phishing links hidden in shipping notifications or holiday e-cards, and impersonation attempts of major retailers or delivery services. Fraudsters also deploy misleading holiday promotions and urgent messaging tactics that prey on seasonal stress and generosity.
How the Scamberry Pie Campaign Raises Scam Awareness
The campaign uses an approachable, holiday-themed format to engage the public. Its core focus is on educating users about universal scam red flags, rather than promoting any single product or service.
A key goal is to encourage open discussions about online safety within families and social circles. TASC positions public education as a foundational, preventive strategy in the broader fight against fraud.
Tools and Resources Provided Through the Initiative
Through the Scamberry Pie campaign hub, TASC and its partners are consolidating access to verification tools for suspicious links, websites, and social media accounts. The initiative provides a clear red-flag checklist for scam detection. It also directs users to educational materials and safety centers hosted by coalition members, creating a centralized resource for holiday scam awareness tips 2025.
Key Scam Red Flags Highlighted by TASC
The campaign underscores several critical warning signs. These include:
- Fake giveaways that require an upfront payment or personal information for an unrealistic reward.
- Suspicious URLs or spoofed domains that mimic legitimate companies.
- Direct impersonation of known brands, celebrities, or even romantic interests.
- Urgent messages demanding immediate payment or action, often using holiday deadlines as pressure.
- Unsolicited requests for deposits, gift cards, or sensitive personal data.
The Broader Industry Effort to Combat Scams
The Scamberry Pie campaign is a public-facing component of TASC’s wider mission. The coalition exemplifies how crypto exchanges, fintech apps, and digital service providers are uniting against a common threat.
This cross-industry intelligence sharing allows for faster identification of scam patterns and fraudulent accounts. The effort highlights the evolving threat landscape of online fraud, which adapts quickly to new technologies and seasonal trends.
Awareness as a Critical Step in Reducing Holiday Scam Risks
The main takeaway of the Scamberry Pie campaign is that vigilance is a crucial defense. During holiday periods, when consumers are most active and often distracted, pausing to verify offers and requests can prevent significant financial loss. The campaign concludes that while no single solution can eliminate scams, sustained awareness and industry cooperation are critical steps in reducing risk and protecting users.
