dōng nán yà

东南亚

zhà piàn

诈骗

yuán qū

园区

dài lái

带来

de

的

wēi xiǎn

危险

There are large scam compounds in some parts of Southeast Asia, mainly in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, and they are spreading to other areas.

U.S. officials say that many of these compounds are run by transnational criminal organizations with Chinese connections.

These organizations have clear divisions of work: some people manage operations, some call, text, or email people to deceive them, and others help move the money.

Some scam workers are also victims of human trafficking. They are taken to the compounds and forced to work.

Scammers often pretend to be bank employees or police officers. They say there is a problem with the victim's account and demand that the victim immediately transfer money, mail cash, or buy gold.

Older people are often targeted.

The United States loses a great deal of money because of this every year.

U.S. law enforcement agencies are working with other countries to arrest suspects, freeze criminal funds, and help victims leave the compounds.

Officials also remind everyone: if you receive a message demanding immediate payment, do not panic. Stop first and verify the situation.