From Research to Practical Training: ScamAI Partners Meet in Porto
On 22–23 June 2026, the ScamAI consortium gathered in Porto, Portugal, for its second Transnational Project Meeting, hosted by project partner RightChallenge. The meeting marked an important step in translating research on voice phishing (vishing) into practical, accessible cybersecurity training for older adults and working professionals.
Turning Research Findings into Educational Approaches
A central focus of the meeting was the progress of Work Package 2 (WP2), which examines vishing scenarios and social engineering techniques across different European contexts.
Partners shared findings from national expert interviews and focus groups conducted in Germany, Portugal, Slovenia and Türkiye. Their discussions highlighted a common challenge: vishing is not simply a technical threat but relies heavily on psychological manipulation.
Trust, authority, emotional pressure and urgency can make fraudulent calls convincing, even when people are familiar with common scams. These insights reinforced the need for training that goes beyond recognising individual scam techniques and instead develops practical protective behaviours.
The discussions also helped shape the forthcoming Transnational Report on Vishing Contexts and Scenarios, which will inform the project's educational resources.
Exploring AI-Based Learning Through Role Reversal
A key development was the presentation of an initial AI-powered training prototype by Saarland University.
The prototype introduces an innovative role-reversal approach: learners temporarily take on the perspective of a scammer in a controlled simulation to understand how manipulation techniques work. The first version focuses on authority and time pressure.
Project partners discussed how clearer instructions, feedback mechanisms and accessible design could further improve the learning experience.
This work contributes directly to Work Package 3 (WP3), which combines AI-supported simulations with face-to-face learning, educational resources and practical workshops.
Developing Accessible Training Across Europe
The consortium also advanced plans for eight short educational videos addressing vishing risks in everyday and workplace situations. Partners explored how the videos could support workshops and communicate clear prevention messages to different audiences.
Further discussions addressed the planned Cybersecurity Ambassador Programme (WP4), which aims to train 20 ambassadors to share cybersecurity knowledge within their communities, and preparations for the Habit Hack Summits (WP5).
The exchange between partners brought together expertise in cybersecurity research, psychology, adult education, digital learning and corporate training. These different perspectives are essential for developing resources that can be adapted to local needs while addressing common European challenges.
Next Steps
Following the Porto meeting, partners will continue developing the AI training prototype, collecting video scenarios and preparing educational materials. The consortium will also refine its plans for piloting, accessibility and long-term sustainability.
The next Transnational Project Meeting is planned to take place in Lithuania, providing another opportunity to review progress towards ScamAI's practical training objectives.