BANGKOK, November 12, 2026 — Consumers across 13 Asian markets lost an estimated US$136.5 billion to scams over the past year, according to a new report released at the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026. The gathering at the Pullman Bangkok King Power also marked the launch of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance’s Thailand Chapter to strengthen cross-sector cooperation.
Staggering Regional Toll
The State of Scams in Asia 2026 report, presented by Gogolook co-founder and chief executive Jeff Kuo, found that 71% of respondents encountered scams during the 12-month period. Of those who lost money, 51% had been defrauded more than once, highlighting a pattern of repeat victimisation across the region.
The financial damage is only part of the story. The research showed that 72% of affected victims reported damage to their mental wellbeing, a figure that underscores the hidden costs for families across the region.
Thailand in Focus
A separate State of Scams in Thailand 2026 report, prepared by GASA with Mastercard and Whoscall, estimated losses of THB65.86 billion, or approximately US$1.85 billion. The average financial loss per victim in Thailand reached THB11,951.20.
Exposure to scams rose sharply, with 79% of Thai adults reporting encounters, up from 72% in 2025. Among those who suffered financial losses, six in 10 said they had been scammed more than once.
Facebook and LINE were the most frequently reported contact channels, accounting for 54% and 48% of cases respectively. Bank transfers and other electronic transfers were the leading payment method used by victims, representing 49% of cases — substantially higher than the Asian average of 36%. Digital wallets followed at 29%.
The aftermath lingers for many. Around 35% of victims continued to worry about becoming targets again, while 32% reported reduced trust in digital platforms. Another 26% experienced ongoing personal tensions following their encounters.
New Chapter, Coordinated Response
The newly launched GASA Thailand Chapter aims to connect domestic organisations with the alliance’s international network. Managing director of Gogolook Thailand, Kodchasorn Jaijam, outlined three priorities: strengthening cooperation between government agencies and private organisations through regular meetings and joint initiatives; sharing practical intelligence on emerging scam techniques and international lessons; and public education developed with consumer protection bodies and civil society organisations.
The chapter brings together expertise from technology, telecommunications, payment services and government agencies to support a more coordinated national response. The network will also welcome additional organisations committed to consumer protection and scam prevention.
Cross-Border Challenges
At the summit, which drew more than 800 representatives from government, law enforcement, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, technology firms and civil society, speakers emphasised the need for faster reporting mechanisms and easier access to assistance for victims.
Rajat Maheshwari, chair of GASA’s Singapore Chapter, noted that scammers are continually adapting to exploit faster payment channels. Nakarin Amarase, deputy director of the Payment Systems Policy and Financial Consumer Protection Group at the Bank of Thailand, stressed that online scams undermine trust even before financial losses occur, arguing that Thailand needs an interconnected system allowing banks, telecommunications firms and authorities to share intelligence in real time.
The summit was organised through cooperation between GASA, the Royal Thai Police, the Bank of Thailand and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, with support from Gogolook, Meta, Google, Trend Micro, CUBE AI and Outseer.
Sources
- Estimated US$136.5b lost to scams, fraud across Asia in past year: Report
- Estimated US$136.5b lost to scams, fraud across Asia in past year: Report
- Asian scam losses reach US$136.5bn as GASA launches Thailand chapter
- The real cost of scams isn’t just money, it’s trust
- Asian scam losses reach US$136.5bn as GASA launches Thailand chapter
Photo: Zulfugar Karimov / Unsplash (Unsplash License)
