Let's Talk Fraud - CSR Talks
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Let's Talk Fraud - CSR Talks
As part of our ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), we actively support initiatives that promote awareness and understanding of fraud within the community. Our efforts are focused on equipping both students and senior members of the community with the knowledge and skills needed to recognise and respond effectively to fraudulent activity.
Through these initiatives, we provide practical guidance on identifying common warning signs, understanding the appropriate actions to take if affected by a scam, and remaining alert to suspicious behaviours or requests. Particular emphasis is placed on recognising situations that feel unusual or raise concern, empowering individuals to act with confidence and caution.
Through these initiatives, we provide practical guidance on identifying common warning signs, understanding the appropriate actions to take if affected by a scam, and remaining alert to suspicious behaviours or requests. Particular emphasis is placed on recognising situations that feel unusual or raise concern, empowering individuals to act with confidence and caution.
Kurt Vassallo and Marija Balcunaite are actively involved in educating and guiding students across Malta on the risks of fraud and how to protect themselves. Throughout 2025 and 2026, they delivered engaging sessions to learners ranging from secondary school pupils to tertiary-level students, raising awareness and equipping them with practical knowledge to stay safe from fraudsters.
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Marija Balciunaite | Kurt Vassallo |
Senior Manager | Assistant Manager |
Compliance | Forensic Investigation Services |
During these sessions, Kurt and Marija introduced the concept of fraud together with highlighting why it is important for students to be aware of the risks associated with fraudulent activity.
They discussed how to identify common scams, how to protect themselves, and the appropriate steps to take if they believe they have been targeted. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of remaining vigilant online, as younger age groups are among those most frequently targeted by fraudsters.
The presentations referred (removed extensively) to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the world’s largest anti-fraud organisation. Statistics and insights from trusted sources such as the ACFE were used to reinforce students’ understanding of fraud and to highlight the real-world impact of these crimes.
The sessions covered a wide range of common fraud types, including:
- Online shopping, marketplace and ticket scams
- Phishing attacks, fake giveaways and social media quiz scams
- Identity fraud and account takeover
- Money muling, where individuals are exploited to move illicit funds
- Investment and cryptocurrency scams, as well as fake business opportunities
- Romance scams and social media influencer scams
- Students were also introduced to broader scam categories, such as employment scams, advance payment scams and so-called “pig butchering” scams.
To reinforce key learning points, all participating students received a fraud awareness guide titled Let’s Talk Fraud: Spotting Scams and Schemes. The booklet was written by Marija Balcunaite, Senior Compliance Manager, and Rebekah Barthet, Associate Director, with contributions from Alan Craig.
Learn more about the Let's Talk Fraud: Spotting scams and schemes guide
Rebekah Barthet Forensic Investigation Services Associate Director - Birkirkara
