Beijing: Cybercriminal groups operating in Asia are using detailed written guides to plan and carry out online scams within days, according to a recent investigation by Reuters.
The report reveals that police raids in the Philippines uncovered handbooks used by scam gangs that explain how to emotionally manipulate victims through romance and investment fraud. These manuals, written mainly in Chinese, outline how scammers study a target, build trust and then convince the person to send money, often within a single week.
Investigators say the guides describe a method commonly known as pig butchering, where scammers spend days or weeks gaining a victim’s confidence before introducing fake investment opportunities, including cryptocurrency or energy related schemes. Victims are encouraged to invest small amounts at first and are later pressured to send larger sums.
The investigation also highlights the human cost behind these operations. Many of the people found working inside scam compounds were victims of human trafficking who were forced to carry out fraud under threats and abuse. Authorities say these criminal networks often operate across borders, making enforcement difficult.
Experts warn that such scams are becoming more organised and more dangerous, with criminals using psychological profiling and scripted conversations to appear trustworthy. There is also growing concern that artificial intelligence tools could be used to make scams even more convincing in the future.
Law enforcement agencies across the region are calling for stronger international cooperation and greater public awareness to counter the rising threat of online fraud. Officials urge people to be cautious when forming online relationships and to avoid sending money to individuals they have never met in person.