PRNewswire
Bangkok [Thailand], October 22: New analysis from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), developed in collaboration with Gogolook, the developer of Whoscall, reveals the dimensions and influence of scams throughout Asia. Among adults surveyed in 13 Asian markets, 71% encountered a rip-off prior to now yr. The examine estimates that customers throughout these markets misplaced a mixed US$136.5 billion to scams over the identical interval.
The State of Scams in Asia 2026 report, based mostly on a survey of 17,460 adults, additionally identifies a niche between confidence and outcomes. While 66% of respondents mentioned they had been assured of their capacity to acknowledge scams, 62% of those that encountered one interacted with it. Among respondents who interacted with a rip-off, 26% misplaced cash.
The findings are being launched forward of the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026, going down in Bangkok on 10-11 November. Following earlier editions in Taiwan and Singapore, the summit will likely be held in Thailand for the primary time, bringing collectively leaders from throughout sectors to strengthen the area’s response to evolving scams.
Phone calls and messages stay main factors of publicity
Phone calls had been the most typical channel by means of which respondents encountered scams (56%), adopted by textual content messages (50%) and prompt messaging apps (40%). Shopping, funding and employment scams had been the rip-off varieties respondents mostly interacted with.
‘Phone and textual content message scams stay a significant problem throughout Asia. In Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, greater than six in ten respondents encountered rip-off calls. As scammers use AI-generated voices and more and more convincing scripts, figuring out suspicious numbers and warning customers earlier than they interact turns into much more necessary,’ mentioned Jeff Kuo, CEO of Gogolook. ‘Whoscall’s observations additionally recommend that scammers are adapting to tighter SIM registration and identification checks by utilizing worldwide and satellite tv for pc numbers. That makes continued data sharing throughout markets important.’
The hurt extends past monetary losses
The analysis estimates that customers throughout the 13 markets misplaced US$136.5 billion to scams over the previous 12 months. Among respondents who misplaced cash, 51% mentioned that they had been scammed greater than as soon as.
The results reached past the quick monetary loss. Among those that misplaced cash, 72% reported an influence on their psychological wellbeing, 77% skilled at the very least one emotional influence, and 58% skilled at the very least one monetary influence affecting their on a regular basis lives.
‘One of probably the most placing findings is the hole between confidence and habits. While 66% of respondents really feel assured they’ll acknowledge scams, 62% of those that encountered one went on to work together with it. This reveals why schooling is necessary however can’t be our solely line of protection. We additionally want stronger safeguards that defend individuals all through the rip-off journey.’ mentioned Brian D. Hanley, Director, Asia-Pacific Chapter, Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA).
Turning regional proof into motion
The findings will inform discussions on the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026, the place representatives from authorities, legislation enforcement, monetary providers, know-how, telecommunications, shopper safety and different sectors will discover methods to stop and disrupt scams.
The analysis additionally factors to public help for extra proactive intervention. Across the markets surveyed, 71% supported permitting banks to dam high-value transactions and not using a buyer’s prior permission after they suspect a rip-off. Another 69% supported permitting telecom operators or messaging apps to dam calls and messages they imagine are malicious.
Reporting, nevertheless, doesn’t all the time result in restoration. While 85% of victims reported their rip-off expertise, outcomes various relying on the place they reported it, and restoration and reimbursement remained restricted.
Download the complete State of Scams in Asia 2026 report right here: https://gasa.org/knowledge-base/reports/state-of-scams-in-asia-2026
Registration for the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026 is open. For the programme and registration particulars, go to the summit web site: https://gasa.org/global-anti-scam-summit-asia-2026
About the analysis
The State of Scams in Asia 2026 surveyed 17,460 adults throughout 13 Asian markets: China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Fieldwork was carried out between March 16 and April 13, 2026. The analysis was carried out by Opinium for the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and developed in collaboration with Gogolook, the developer of Whoscall.
About the Global Anti-Scam Alliance
The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) is a nonprofit group bringing collectively policymakers, legislation enforcement, shopper authorities, NGOs, the monetary sector, telecommunications operators, web platforms, cybersecurity organizations and different stakeholders to share data and develop options to guard customers from scams.GASA Website: https://gasa.org/
About Gogolook
Gogolook is a number one TrustTech firm established in 2012. With ‘Build for Trust’ as its core worth, Gogolook has expanded its enterprise from Asia to Europe and the Americas. As a basis member of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), Gogolook collaborates with legislation enforcement businesses and public-sector organizations, together with the Taiwan National Police Agency, the Royal Thai Police, the Philippines Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and the Royal Malaysia Police. These partnerships help its dedication to constructing a scam-free surroundings.Gogolook Website: https://www.gogolook.com/
About Whoscall
Whoscall, developed by Gogolook, is a caller ID and digital anti-scam app designed to guard customers from scams throughout varied channels, together with telephone calls, textual content messages, social media, and hyperlinks. With over 100 million downloads globally, it options probably the most complete database in East and Southeast Asia, protecting greater than 2.6 billion telephone numbers.Whoscall Website: https://web.whoscall.com/en
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press launch has been offered by PRNewswire. ANI is not going to be accountable in any approach for the content material of the identical.)