Forced scamming is one of the fastest-growing forms of human trafficking today.
Across Southeast Asia, criminal networks use social media to lure job seekers with fake offers that appear legitimate, often promising high salaries and covering travel costs.
On arrival, victims face a stark reality: their passports and phones are taken, and they are isolated in a foreign country. Under threat and abuse, they are forced to run online scams. Escape is not an option.
Many are skilled professionals, trapped in a criminal system generating over US$11 billion a year.
This video reveals how victims are trapped and exploited by forced scamming operations — and how Hagar helps survivors rebuild their lives.
Your support makes this possible.
Every day, countless scam messages reach our phones – messages we often delete without a second thought. But behind many of these are people being forced to carry out online fraud under threat and coercion. These individuals are not criminals – they are victims of human trafficking, trapped in exploitative scam centres.
Together, we can respond with compassion and action.
The facts:
Over 50 million people worldwide are estimated to be living in modern slavery, including forced labour.
Scam centres rely on trafficked individuals to operate large-scale digital fraud.
This industry generates over US$11 billion annually – but collective efforts can disrupt its reach.
By raising awareness and supporting targeted interventions, we can help survivors find a way out, and prevent others from being exploited. Every step we take brings hope, safety, and justice closer.
Scam centres are unauthorised operations, often taking over old hotels, warehouses or similar buildings. Trafficked individuals are compelled to run online scams under strict surveillance. Their freedom is heavily restricted, and they often live under constant pressure and fear.
Recently, Hagar responded to distressing reports of organised scam centres in Cambodia. These places held women, men and children who had been trafficked across borders and coerced into online scams. The conditions were deeply distressing—characterised by isolation, coercion and fear.
Through coordinated operations with authorities, individuals were safely removed from these centres. Each person has begun a gradual recovery journey, supported by measures that promote emotional healing and a renewed sense of safety and hope.
Our trauma-informed care model prioritises survivors’ dignity, autonomy and long-term wellbeing. We focus on emotional support, practical life-skills development and respectful reintegration back into their communities.
Recruitment through fake job ads
Traffickers lure victims with false promises of legitimate work, often advertised online or through informal networks.
Confiscation of passports and documents
Once under control, victims often have their identity documents taken to prevent escape or seeking help.
Surveillance and threats to enforce labour
Victims are monitored and threatened with violence or harm to their families to ensure compliance.
Use of complex tech networks to evade detection
Traffickers use encrypted apps, digital payments, and layered platforms to avoid identification and prosecution.
At 17, Grace wanted to save for university. Instead, she was trafficked through a TikTok job scam.
Grace grew up in a close-knit, supportive family in rural Thailand. Like many teenagers, she dreamed of furthering her education and building a better future.
During a school break, she came across a job advertisement on TikTok—promising good pay, safe accommodation, and a chance to gain work experience. With her parents’ encouragement, Grace and her best friend accepted the offer, hopeful it would help them save for university.
But the opportunity never existed. The ad was a trap—posted by a transnational trafficking network preying on vulnerable young people online.
Within days, Grace was taken across the border and forced into exploitative work under constant surveillance, her freedom and safety stolen.
When survivors are freed from scam centres, their recovery begins immediately. They first receive urgent medical attention and are placed in safe, secure accommodation to support their immediate well-being.
They then begin trauma-informed counselling and therapy to address the emotional and psychological effects of their exploitation. Our team also works closely with their families to assess and support safe options for reunification.
Survivors receive assistance throughout legal proceedings. Advocates help protect their rights and guide them through processes such as witness protection and court appearances when necessary.
To support long-term recovery, survivors can access education and vocational training programmes that equip them with skills for independent living. Gradual reintegration into their communities follows, supported by ongoing case management, peer support networks, and economic empowerment initiatives. These services help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity, safety and hope for the future.
What are scam centres and how do they operate?
Scam centres are secured locations where victims are forced to commit online fraud. These operations use coercion, physical abuse, and surveillance to control victims.
How does Hagar rescue victims?
Rescues involve coordination with law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and safe extraction protocols prioritising victim safety and confidentiality.
How can I help or donate?
Donations support direct services, survivor care, and operations. Please visit the donation section or contact our team to contribute.
