A recent incident involving Chinese actor Wang Xing has reignited fears over scam syndicates operating in the Southeast Asian region. Wang was lured to Myanmar under the guise of taking part in an audition, only to be kidnapped and trafficked to Myawaddy, a town in the east of the country just across from the border with Thailand. Myawaddy is now notorious for rampant telecom fraud operations. Fortunately, Wang’s ordeal ended in rescue and repatriation, but his case has shone a spotlight on other victims, including a 24-year-old Hong Kong woman deceived by a fake part-time job offer in Thailand. Her family was extorted for $18,000 (HK$220,000) before she was safely returned to Hong Kong.

These incidents have sent shockwaves through the region, with even prominent entertainers taking precautions. Hong Kong singer Eason Chan Yick-shun and mainland comedian Zhao Benshan have canceled performances in Thailand out of concern for the safety of their fans, illustrating the growing unease about safety.

For many Hong Kong residents, Thailand is a favored getaway, offering vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes reasonably close to home. However, the reality that some telecom fraud victims, such as Wang, were taken to Myawaddy from Thailand is raising serious concerns.

Despite its relative distance from most tourist itineraries, Myawaddy’s reputation as a hub of scam operations is hard to ignore. Scam syndicates operating in this area have exploited the lack of effective law enforcement there, targeting unsuspecting individuals for profit.

Since the second quarter of last year, Hong Kong authorities have received 28 reports of its residents being illegally trafficked to Southeast Asian countries, often under false pretenses. While 16 of these individuals have been successfully brought back, 12 remain stranded in precarious situations. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has acted decisively, dispatching officials to Thailand to negotiate with local authorities for assistance and secure cooperation in rescue efforts. These actions demonstrate Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its residents, but they also highlight the limitations of unilateral rescue operations, which are often constrained by jurisdictional and logistical challenges. Prevention must take precedence to mitigate such risks effectively.

Social media has become a preferred tool for syndicates to lure victims, leveraging platforms to post enticing advertisements for high-paying, low-barrier jobs. Creative professionals such as actors, models and social media influencers are particularly at risk, given their frequent travel for work and the perception that they have greater financial resources and contacts. This makes them prime targets for scam and extortion schemes, with victims often held in heavily guarded compounds where escape is nearly impossible.

For Hong Kong residents planning their next getaway to Southeast Asia, the allure of its vibrant culture and scenic beauty remains undeniable. However, the recent resurgence of scam syndicates serves as a stark reminder to remain vigilant. Tourist paradises, after all, can sometimes conceal perils. With the right precautions, travelers can continue to enjoy the destinations they love while staying safe from the hidden dangers that may lurk beneath the surface

To counter these tactics, targeted anti-scam campaigns should focus on disrupting these recruitment efforts. Social media companies must be encouraged to swiftly identify and remove suspicious job listings, while authorities could ramp up educational outreach tailored to high-risk groups. Public awareness campaigns should emphasize vigilance, equipping individuals with the tools to recognize fraudulent offers. The goal is to empower people to make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to these scams.

Additional preventive measures could involve increased scrutiny at airports. Immigration officers, working closely with airlines, could monitor travel patterns that might indicate individuals being lured abroad under false pretenses. The travel industry itself could play a more active role by promoting safer group-based travel options and providing clear guidance on avoiding high-risk areas. Tour operators, for instance, could implement stricter safety measures to protect travelers from potential exploitation.

What makes these scam syndicates particularly sinister is their scale and organization, as well as their cruel treatment of victims. These are not isolated incidents involving opportunistic criminals but well-coordinated operations tied to larger transnational networks. Victims often describe their captivity in heavily fortified facilities, complete with armed guards and surveillance, underscoring the level of sophistication and systemic collusion involved.

These criminal enterprises extend beyond human trafficking, with strong ties to other illegal activities, including online fraud, cryptocurrency scams and illegal gambling. Their far-reaching impact threatens not only individual safety but also economic stability and public trust in the places concerned. Given the magnitude of these operations, a purely local response is insufficient. Addressing this issue requires a global perspective and regional cooperation, treating it as a matter of international counter-crime or even counter-terrorism.

Hong Kong cannot dismantle these fraud networks by itself. Stronger collaboration with the Chinese mainland and Southeast Asian nations is essential to disrupt these transnational syndicates effectively. With the central authorities’ support, cross-border joint enforcement actions and intelligence-sharing will be strengthened for sure, ensuring a more coordinated response to telecom fraud operations in the region. Such partnerships are vital to dismantling the infrastructure of these criminal enterprises and bringing perpetrators to justice.

While government action is crucial, personal responsibility cannot be overlooked. Scam syndicates thrive on exploiting desperation and naivety. Many victims are enticed by offers that seem too good to be true—promises of easy money or glamorous opportunities that mask sinister intentions. Public awareness and education play a vital role in fostering a culture of vigilance. The popular mainland film “No More Bets” poignantly illustrates how ambition and dissatisfaction can make individuals susceptible to such fraud traps. Addressing these underlying vulnerabilities is key to reducing victimization.

Hong Kong’s proactive measures in dealing with these challenges highlight its determination to protect its residents. By prioritizing prevention, education and international cooperation, the city sets an example of how to navigate complex cross-border fraud threats and safeguard public well-being.

For Hong Kong residents planning their next getaway to Southeast Asia, the allure of its vibrant culture and scenic beauty remains undeniable. However, the recent resurgence of scam syndicates serves as a stark reminder to remain vigilant. Tourist paradises, after all, can sometimes conceal perils. With the right precautions, travelers can continue to enjoy the destinations they love while staying safe from the hidden dangers that may lurk beneath the surface.

The author is chairman of the Asia MarTech Society and sits on the advisory boards of several professional organizations, including two universities.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.