Digital Swindles: Understanding and Combatting Online Scams in Myanmar

While most headlines focus on scam farms operating from Myanmar, this study flips the lens. It shows how everyday people in Myanmar are falling victim to online scams—fake loans, bogus investments, phishing messages, and more. Based on 302 survey responses and interviews from Myanmar and Thailand, the report exposes a rising wave of fraud targeting those already facing economic hardship.

The research identifies key risk factors: rapid internet adoption, low digital literacy, and high financial stress. Scammers pose as bank reps, friends, or employers. They use urgency and trust to trick victims into sending money or giving up personal data. Most cases go unreported—people feel ashamed or believe no one can help.

The study calls for action. Digital literacy must reach all levels of society. Consumer protections need teeth. Law enforcement should adapt to online threats. Without stronger defenses, scams will keep draining the people who can least afford it.

Watch a video on more of our research on Myanmar’s scam sector:

This study is part of the Myanmar Digital Research series published by Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) with support from International Development Research Centre and The SecDev Foundation.