The Phenomenon of Former Cambodia-Based Online Scammers: Challenges for Immigration and Labor in Indonesia
Online scam activities are increasingly spreading across the world. When “scam” operations take root, they evolve into a complex phenomenon—reflecting growing dependence on digital technology that creates opportunities for criminal syndicates to expand their operations.
This phenomenon enables scammers to continuously develop more sophisticated techniques that are increasingly difficult to detect. Indonesia, along with many countries in Southeast Asia, has become highly vulnerable to online fraud, and is facing a serious threat from the proliferation of illegal scam operations that run without effective control.
Based on recent reports, nearly two-thirds of Indonesia’s adult population have experienced online scam attempts in the past year, with total losses reaching trillions of rupiah. In Southeast Asia, the situation is even more severe. According to a survey published by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) in August 2025, 63 percent of people in the region have experienced online fraud. The rate is particularly high in countries such as Singapore (66 percent), the Philippines (65 percent), and Thailand (60 percent). Indonesia records a lower but still concerning exposure rate of around 35 percent.
These figures indicate that online fraud has become a serious threat in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.
Globally, online scams cause losses exceeding USD 1 trillion annually, with Southeast Asia emerging as a major operational hub for criminal syndicates. This is driven by rapid digital growth in the region, which creates fertile ground for scam networks. High user exposure is reflected in GASA data showing that 79 percent of adults in Southeast Asia have encountered scam attempts, with 11 percent experiencing them daily.
In Indonesia alone, scam-related losses reached USD 422.2 million by October 2025, with an average of 874 reported cases per day. This is significantly higher than in many neighboring countries. The situation is further worsened by high youth unemployment, which reaches 16 percent among 44 million young people aged 15–24—one of the highest rates in Asia. In 2025, the national open unemployment rate stood at 4.85 percent, while youth unemployment reached 17.45 percent.
This condition drives job seekers in Indonesia and Southeast Asia to accept overseas job offers, including from scam companies that promise high salaries without requiring qualifications. Many are unaware that these offers are traps that lead them into fraudulent operations. In reality, those who join these scam companies often become part of criminal networks that harm others.
Cambodia has become an attractive destination for illegal scam operations due to weak regulatory enforcement, particularly in areas such as Sihanoukville. As a result, the country has become a global scam hub, driven by corruption, technological sophistication, and ease of relocation after crackdowns. Criminal syndicates exploit legal loopholes to sustain their operations.
Although the Cambodian government has attempted crackdowns, these networks often relocate quickly to border areas, making the country a “safe haven” for illicit operations generating billions of dollars. As a result, thousands of migrant workers—including Indonesians—become trapped in these networks, worsening regional labor issues. Many do not realize they are engaged in illegal activities and cannot leave due to threats or confiscation of identity documents.
The large-scale migration of workers into scam industries has become increasingly concerning, particularly due to lack of awareness about international migration rules. This is reflected in the case of thousands of Indonesian ex-scam workers in Cambodia who arrived at the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh seeking assistance in January 2026. From 1,726 Indonesians requesting repatriation, the number increased to 2,277 within six days.
These migration flows involve workers from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Pakistan, India, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey. Many were recruited through fake job advertisements promising easy, high-paying jobs. In reality, they often face visa abuse and lack of proper legal status, including overstay fines that accumulate significantly over time.
This phenomenon shows that Indonesia must strengthen public awareness and education regarding the risks of working abroad, especially in unregistered or illegal companies, while enhancing international cooperation to protect its citizens from fraud and transnational crime.
Without proper regulatory understanding, migrant workers are vulnerable to criminal cycles that ultimately burden the home country’s immigration system. Many lack knowledge of legal protections and how to seek help when trapped in such situations.
To handle cases of ex-scam workers requesting repatriation, Indonesia needs objective immigration and labor-based policy approaches. This includes diplomatic coordination with host countries, improved repatriation processes, and strengthened visa issuance mechanisms for urgent cases while maintaining procedural order.
Second, labor governance must be strengthened through tighter oversight of recruitment agencies and online platforms to prevent fraudulent job advertisements linked to human trafficking or forced criminality. Pre-departure education programs should be enhanced in collaboration with international organizations such as the IOM to monitor migration patterns and risks.
Third, public awareness campaigns must be expanded through media and education systems to identify illegal recruitment patterns. Reintegration programs for returnees should include psychosocial support and vocational training, considering many return with trauma or lack of documentation.
Fourth, immigration policy reform is needed through improved visa systems and integrated databases to track citizens abroad and reduce overstays. Regional cooperation within ASEAN is also essential to close enforcement gaps and combat transnational scam networks.
For Indonesian job seekers abroad, safety must be the top priority. The “4M” principle should be applied: stay alert to suspicious job offers, verify information through official channels, avoid suspicious online ads, and ensure all visas and contracts comply with regulations.
By applying these principles, risks of exploitation and fraud can be reduced, creating safer conditions for Indonesian migrant workers worldwide.
