Southeast Asia scam call centers rebound despite major crackdowns
BANGKOK, THAILAND — Cross-border operations of scam call centers in Southeast Asia quickly rebounded despite a major crackdown, inflicting billions of dollars in losses and devastating families across the region.
In a report by Chiang Rai Times, although high-profile interventions and international cooperation are in place, corruption and advanced strategies enable these syndicates to flourish, and Thailand is one of the hot spots.
Crackdown yields brief success, but scams surge back
China and Myanmar officials have been ordering the shutdown of power, fuel, and internet services to hotbeds of scams, such as Shwe Kokko in the Myawaddy regime of Myanmar.
All these activities led to the saving of more than 7,000 trafficked laborers and paralyzed criminal activities temporarily.
However, the scams returned with greater vigor and improved organization, demonstrating the survivalist and adaptable nature of these groups.
Human trafficking and forced labor fuel scam industry
Chinese-backed crime groups have transformed areas into fortified compounds disguised as business zones, complete with hotels, casinos, and telecom towers, but primarily dedicated to running online scams known as “pig butchering.”
Victims, lured by fake job offers, are trafficked through border points like Mae Sot and forced to work under brutal conditions. Passports are seized, and workers face threats of violence or starvation if they fail to meet quotas.
It is believed that these compounds trap up to 120,000 people in Myanmar and 100,000 in Cambodia, orchestrating scams that target victims worldwide.
Billions lost annually as scams go global
The United States Institute of Peace estimates annual scam profits at $63.9 billion, nearly 40% of which are spent in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau alone reported $2 billion worth of losses due to fraud and cybercrime in Thailand from March 2022 to August 2024.
The human toll is also very high. All kinds of victims, including a Chiang Rai teacher who lost 3 million baht (US$91,953.30) to a cryptocurrency scam, find themselves both ruined and devastated financially and emotionally.
Suicidal cases attributed to the scams are on the increase as families find themselves entangled in debt, shame, and loss of relationships.
Corruption and cross-border challenges undermine progress
Corruption is a critical enabler of these criminal enterprises. Myanmar’s military and local militias reportedly share in the profits, which fund weapons and further illegal activities.
In Cambodia, influential figures have been linked to scam compounds, while poorly paid police and border officials often turn a blind eye or are complicit.
Thailand’s position as a transit point for trafficked individuals and illicit funds complicates enforcement efforts. Criminals exploit border crossings and legal loopholes, while ongoing conflict and weak governance in Myanmar allow scam operations to relocate and evade crackdowns.
Evolving tactics and the need for regional cooperation
Even with the NBTC’s attempt to curb the situation by cutting utilities to scam centers and putting in place stringent banking and visa rules, the vice seems to be increasing, and there are an estimated 300,000 scammers operating within the region.
The criminals are fast learners and take advantage of technologies such as AI to imitate voices and devise new tricks.
Unless the systems are fixed and the fight against cyber fraud is strengthened, scam syndicates will just keep on getting bigger and leaving more victims in their trail.
Protecting yourself from scam calls
While legitimate call centers provide clear company information and training programs, scam operations lure victims with fake job ads, confiscate passports, and force workers into fraud under threats of violence—as seen in the estimated 220,000 people trapped in Southeast Asia’s scam compounds.
To avoid falling victim to scam calls, always verify the caller’s identity and never share personal or financial information over the phone. Use call-blocking apps and enable caller ID features to screen unknown numbers. Be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially those claiming urgent issues or prizes, and hang up if anything feels suspicious. Report scam calls to relevant authorities and your phone provider, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown apps.
Law enforcement continuously warns citizens to be wary of dubious calls or any invitation to make investments, as the crackdowns against these illegal activities are ongoing. Staying vigilant and informed is the best defense against increasingly sophisticated scam tactics.
