top of page

Trapped in a Scam Center? What Can I Do?

Writer's picture: Global Anti-Scam OrgGlobal Anti-Scam Org
Finding yourself trapped in a scam center—and being forced to scam innocent people—Remember: you are not at fault. Being coerced into criminal activity is a form of exploitation, and help is available. The following steps are intended to guide you toward regaining your freedom and rebuilding your life.

For victims who are still in transit to their final destination while being accompanied by an agent, please consider the following steps:


Avoid Online Misinformation:
Do not trust misleading online accusations. Bangkok, Malaysia, and Singapore are extremely safe, so don't let false information cause unnecessary panic.

Act Quickly:
Every minute counts. To save time, send your current GPS location along with your identification and a brief explanation of what has happened.

If You’re Being Watched:
If you are unable to send your location because you feel monitored, approach any airport staff immediately. These officers are there to help you—trust their assistance as they may be your only way to escape.

Know That You’re Not Alone:
Many victims have previously hesitated to speak up due to threats from their agents. However, reaching out for help is crucial, and the airport staff can provide the necessary support.

Stay safe and take action as soon as you can. Your prompt response is essential to ensure your well-being and secure your escape. We cannot emphasize enough that Bangkok, Malaysia, and Singapore are very safe. Trust the police rather than relying on online netizens.
Bangkok
Thailand’s Tourist Police Hotline (1155); and/or download Thailand Tourist Police App
Malaysia
Police hotline: 999
Singapore
Police hotline: 999

For victims who have arrived at the scam center


  1. Establish a Secret Password
    Before sending any messages, create a secret password known only to you and your next of kin. Use this password for secure communications and delete all conversations immediately after sending them. This precaution helps protect you from being identified, exploited, or subjected to further harm.

    If you still have your personal phone, send all screenshots and evidence to your family members showing how the fake recruiter exploited you at the scam center. This evidence can be crucial for local law enforcement to confirm that you are a victim and to prevent them from dismissing your case as merely a labor contract issue.

  2. Maintain a Low Profile at Work
    Continue working as usual while you seek help. By demonstrating genuine interest in your tasks, you minimize suspicion and reduce the likelihood that your situation will be noticed by your captors. This strategy may also provide you with the freedom to discreetly seek assistance and communicate with the outside world.

  3. File a Police Report
    Although local police in your home country may have limited ability to intervene directly, we recommend that a trusted family member file a police report on your behalf. Establishing an official record that you are a victim of human trafficking can help safeguard your interests and alert authorities to your situation.

  4. Develop a exit strategy
    Now, we will break down the process by country, as procedures differ between regions. Before contacting the appropriate agency, it is crucial to know your current location to avoid time wasted on back-and-forth messages—especially since your phone is monitored, which adds extra risk. Below is the proper format required by the relevant agency to assist you:

    Name
    ID/ Passport copy
    Nationality
    GPS location url (Please do not sent a screenshot that barely shows where you are at)
    Name of the scam center
    Name of the company
    Building no
    Which level are you at
    Working hours

Cambodia
Avoid contacting NGOs or online rescue services that require a fee. The Ministry of Interior provides rescue services free of charge. You can contact us, and we will conduct the necessary vetting before submitting your case to the Ministry of Interior for assistance. Alternatively, victims may independently submit their information by visiting Minister Sar Kheng's Facebook page.
Myawaddy, Myanmar (Burma)
Unfortunately, many NGOs have been unable to secure proper rescues, and most victims end up paying a ransom between US 8,000 to US250,000. We recommend that all victims contact their embassy and seek assistance from an attaché. Another option is to connect with fellow countrymen and collectively approach a media outlet, hoping that the story will gain viral attention. Regrettably, this remains an alternative to consider.
Laos
Contact your embassy first and tell them to contact local police for you. This way, you avoid any possible corruption.
Philippines
911

For victims who escaped from the scam center

If you already have a plan to escape, there are several ways you can do. The most common way is to wait for team dinner celebrations and take this chance to escape.
Cambodia
Myawaddy, Myanmar (Burma)
Go to the nearest temple or abandon building if its late at night than contact us to arrange a driver to pick you up otherwise you may find one at your own risks through social media platform
Laos
Head to the nearest hotel and secure a room. Then, either arrange for a local driver or contact us to pick you up. We can assist you with the necessary procedures—either by guiding you to surrender at the Chinese border or by helping you navigate the immigration process to return home.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only.

Comments


bottom of page