New GASA Report Estimates $688 Billion in Scam Losses Across Asia Amid Rising Cyberthreat Worldwide

2024 Asia Scam Report Reveals Singapore and Japan See Decline in Scam Losses

The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) , has released the highly anticipated 2024 Asia Scam Report . Based on survey responses from 24,731 consumers across Asia, this annual report offers insights into the growing threat posed by scammers and their increasingly sophisticated tactics.

Individual survey responses were extrapolated to report an estimated total loss of US$688.42 billion over the last 12 months , a figure that represents a significant portion of the estimated US$1.026 trillion global scam losses reported in GASA’s 2023 data. This year’s report highlights key trends such as the rise of AI-generated scam messages and the surge in social media-related fraud.

Key Findings from the 2024 Asia Scam Report:

  • Rapid Revictimization: Scam victims across Asia tend to be scammed repeatedly after they have been successfully targeted once.

  • Singapore (-40%) and Japan (-17%)  have reported a noteworthy reduction in average scam loss per victim, indicating the effectiveness of preventive measures while other countries have seen increases. In Singapore, initiatives such as the co-location of police and banks has contributed to an efficient crackdown on scams.

  • Dominance of Social Media Scams: Some leading platforms have seen an increase in scam activity, with many users looking for social platforms to address fraudulent ads and fake accounts. 

  • Top Scams by Category: Identity theft, investment scams, and shopping scams remain the leading threats across the region, with scammers targeting individuals through a range of channels, including phone calls, social media, and text messages.

Image

Scam Prevention and Cross-Sector Collaboration in Focus at GASS Asia Summit

As Foundation Partners of GASA , Mastercard and ScamAdviser sponsored this report and will engage deeply in scam prevention discussions and partnerships at the Global Anti-Scam Summit (GASS) Asia Summit on October 20–21 . The event, in Singapore, is a key gathering for stakeholders across sectors to joint actions against perpetrators of scams.

With Amazon , Google , and other global organizations participating, the event will focus on best practices and new strategies in financial fraud, AI misuse, and consumer protection strategies.

For more information and to download the full 2024 Asia Scam Report, visit GASA's research directory .

Oct 15, 2024
2 minute read
Category
Research News Event - GASS Asia 2024 Topic - Fraud Research Region - Asia-Pacific
Written by
Sam Rogers
Share article

Latest blogs & research

Adobe Joins the Global Anti-Scam Alliance as a Foundation Member to Advance Consumer Protection and Digital Trust

Adobe has joined the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) as a Foundation Member globally and within the GASA North America Chapter.

News Region - Global Region - North America Industry - Big Tech / Social Media

Meet the Nominees – Scam Fighter Awards at the Global Anti-Scam Summit Europe 2026

Meet the shortlisted Scam Fighter Awards nominees and vote for initiatives advancing scam prevention, research, policy, collaboration and technology.

News Region - Europe Region - Global Event - GASS Europe 2026

Dutch National Police’s Game Over?! Campaign Prompts Scam Suspects to Turn Themselves In

A Dutch National Police campaign identified 74 of 100 suspects in impersonation scams, showing how public tips can support investigations.

Best Practices Region - Europe Topic - Scam Awareness Industry - Law Enforcement

What Really Works in Preventing Fraud Against Older Adults | Research Working Group Meeting

GASA’s Research Working Group explores evidence-based ways to prevent fraud against older adults and close research gaps.

Best Practices Region - Europe Region - Global Topic - Fraud Research

Measuring What Matters: The New Methodology Behind the 2026 State of Scams Reports

Learn how GASA updated the 2026 State of Scams methodology with stricter validation, data cleaning, and loss calculations to estimate scam harm more accurately.

Report Topic - Scam Reporting Region - Global Scam Trends
Brazil Strengthens Online Safeguards for Minors

Brazil Introduces New Digital Protections for Minors

Brazil’s new digital statute strengthens protections for minors through platform design controls, age assurance measures, and regulatory enforcement.

Best Practices Topic - Fraud Policy Industry - Law Enforcement Industry - Policy Makers
Romance scams continue to grow worldwide, exploiting trust, emotional vulnerability, and online relationships to manipulate victims into financial and emotional harm. Timed around Brazil’s Valentine’s Day period, the latest GASA meet-up, Golpes do Amor — Como eles acontecem e como se proteger, explored how these scams operate, why they are so effective, and how individuals can better recognise warning signs before becoming victims.  Hosted by the Brazil Chapter of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), the discussion highlighted findings from O Estado dos Golpes no Brasil. According to the report, romance scams have already affected 18 per cent of surveyed Brazilian adults, while 6 per cent of victims reported falling for this type of scam more than once. Beyond financial losses, speakers emphasised the severe emotional consequences victims often experience, including shame, trauma, and loss of trust.  Read the Report – O Estado dos Golpes no Brasil  Speakers: Rose Leonel, Journalist and Founder – ONG Marias da Internet Tanila Savoy, Founder – Associação Nacional de Vítimas da Internet (ANVINT) Lisandréa Salvariego Colabuono, Police Chief and Coordinator – NOAD, Polícia Civil de São Paulo Renata Salvini, Brazil Chapter Director – Global Anti-Scam Alliance  A major focus of the discussion was the manipulation techniques commonly used in romance scams. Speakers explained how scammers frequently create convincing identities, often pretending to be foreigners, military personnel, or individuals living abroad, while avoiding in-person meetings and building emotional dependency over time. Urgency and financial pressure were highlighted as major warning signs, particularly when victims are pushed to act quickly or send money under emotional circumstances.  The webinar also explored the lasting psychological impact of these crimes and reinforced that victims should never be blamed. Rose Leonel shared her personal story of transforming trauma into advocacy after becoming a victim of non-consensual intimate image sharing, an experience that ultimately contributed to the creation of the Rose Leonel Law in Brazil. Speakers stressed the importance of reporting scams, noting that even small details can assist investigations and help prevent future victims.  The conversation reinforced the need for greater public awareness, victim support, and collaboration between civil society, law enforcement, and digital platforms to address emotionally manipulative fraud more effectively. Through initiatives like this meet-up, GASA continues working with experts and organisations worldwide to strengthen scam prevention and support victims of online fraud.  Watch the full discussion below to learn how individuals and organisations can better recognise and respond to romance scams.

Romance Scams in Brazil: Warning Signs and Prevention

Experts from Brazil discuss how romance scams work, their emotional impact, and how victims can protect themselves online.

Topic - Scam Awareness Video Event - GASA Meet-Ups Industry - Law Enforcement
Acción coordinada. Impacto real. México lidera el cambio

De Viena a la Acción: GASA México y UNODC México Cierran Brechas Operativas

GASA México y UNODC México formalizan un Acuerdo de Intercambio de Comunicaciones, convirtiendo los compromisos globales de Viena en acción coordinada contra el fraude.

News Topic - Fraud Policy Industry - Policy Makers Region - Latin America