Online Scams: A Growing Concern Worldwide
Online scammers target millions of victims around the world and rake in annual revenues of US$64 billion. (AFP pic)
Large-Scale Raid on Online Scam Farm in Manila
Around 400 foreign nationals were arrested today in a "large-scale" raid on a suspected online scam farm in Manila, the national immigration agency said. Authorities raided a building and found workers allegedly engaged in online scam operations targeting victims abroad.
International Concern Over Online Scam Operations
International concern has grown in recent years over similar scam operations in Asia which are often staffed by trafficking victims who were tricked or coerced into promoting bogus cryptocurrency investments and other cons. "Their operations were found to be in violation of immigration laws and posed significant risks to the public," Fortunato Manahan, the bureau of immigration intelligence division chief, said in a statement describing the latest raid.
Philippines’ Efforts to Combat Online Scams
President Ferdinand Marcos in July last year announced a ban by the end of 2024 on Philippine online gaming operators (Pogo) that Manila says have been used as cover by organised crime groups for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings, and even murder. The bureau of immigration had been monitoring the "Pogo-like activities" of the raided company "for some time", the statement said.
Raided Company’s Operations
The foreign nationals, many of whom were Chinese, were undergoing booking procedures, immigration bureau spokesman Dana Sandoval told AFP. They will be temporarily detained while awaiting deportation, the bureau said.
Global Impact of Online Scams
The Washington-based think-tank United States Institute of Peace said in a May 2024 report that online scammers target millions of victims around the world and rake in annual revenues of US$64 billion. It estimates the industry employs half a million workers, including 15,000 in the Philippines, who were recruited mainly via social media and were then forced to carry out scams, facing torture if they failed to meet quotas.
Conclusion
Online scams have become a significant concern worldwide, with millions of victims falling prey to these fraudulent activities every year. The Philippines has taken steps to combat online scams, including the ban on Pogo operations, but more needs to be done to protect individuals and prevent such activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many foreign nationals were arrested in the latest raid?
A: Around 400 foreign nationals were arrested.
Q: What were the allegations against the raided company?
A: The company was alleged to be involved in online scam operations targeting victims abroad.
Q: How many workers are estimated to be employed in the online scam industry worldwide?
A: The United States Institute of Peace estimates that half a million workers are employed in the industry, including 15,000 in the Philippines.