19-12-2023 (TAIPEI) Gogolook, the developer behind the Whoscall application and a leading TrustTech provider, joined forces with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) to orchestrate the inaugural Anti-Scam Asia Summit (ASAS) in Taipei, Taiwan.
The summit premiered with the unveiling of a concerning report indicating that a significant number of Asians display overconfidence in their ability to counter online scams, especially at a time when scammers are leveraging AI technology to enhance the subtlety and sophistication of their fraudulent activities. According to the findings, Thais are the most susceptible to phone scams in Asia, frequently falling victim through platforms such as Facebook, LINE, and email. Shockingly, over half of individuals across the continent encounter scammers at least once a week.
The Asia Scam Report 2023, a collaborative effort by GASA and Gogolook, sheds light on the escalating threat posed to Asia by criminals increasingly using AI technology to perpetrate fraud more efficiently, often operating across borders to evade detection and capture. The ASAS event aimed to foster regional cooperation and information exchange among stakeholders, including members of international law enforcement agencies, security organizations, financial institutions, and businesses across Asia.
Key findings from the Asia Scam Report 2023 reveal that over 50% of the 20,000 respondents from 11 Asian countries encounter scams at least once a week, with phone calls and SMS being the primary channels employed by scammers. Thailand leads the pack in phone scams (88%), followed by Malaysia (82.7%), Hong Kong (81.3%), and Vietnam (80.2%). Facebook, LINE, and email are identified as the most common channels for online scams in Thailand, with online shopping, identity theft, and investment deception being the prevalent types of fraud.
During a panel discussion on Private-Public Collaboration, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, emphasized the prevalence of online shopping scams in Thailand, with scam investments causing the most substantial financial losses. He stressed the importance of the AOC Center, which brings together public and private sector agencies to accelerate problem-solving, and highlighted the Cyber Vaccinated project. He called for an international platform to exchange information and facilitate the swift tracking and apprehension of criminals.
Jorij Abraham, Managing Director of GASA, highlighted the organization’s goal of helping consumers worldwide avoid scams, expressing optimism about the Anti-Scam Asia Summit’s contribution to this mission. He underscored the growing emphasis on scam issues in Asia and anticipated increased participation from businesses, government agencies, and organizations in the coming years.
Jeff Kuo, CEO and co-founder of Gogolook, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to partner with GASA and host ASAS, emphasizing the need for awareness, collaboration, and technological solutions to create a secure digital environment. As the leading TrustTech provider in Asia, Gogolook remains committed to combating the evolving threat of scams and fostering a culture of trust in the digital landscape.
