June 23, 2025, 3:55 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Internationally, so-called scam call centers are increasingly spreading. This is according to a new report from the United Nations.
Frauds can reach consumers in various ways and are always a major nuisance—especially when they succeed. In addition to various schemes on the internet, direct phone calls remain a method. These are often run by professionally organized gangs in scam call centers, which can operate internationally. According to a new UN report, they pose a growing problem.
Scam Call Centers Are Spreading Worldwide
The new United Nations report reveals that scam call centers are expanding further. These are criminal operations engaged in various types of fraud, which can occur via phone or online. Most of these centers have been concentrated in Southeast Asia.
However, even after several raids in countries like Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines, authorities cannot stop their spread. Once a scam call center is shut down, a new one opens elsewhere. Entire business parks are even being created, dedicated solely to criminal activities.
Scam Call Centers Are a Billion-Dollar Business
There are now reportedly hundreds of such scam call centers, forming their own small industry. Experts estimate their revenue is astonishing: They believe the fraudsters generate up to $40 billion in profit annually.
The phenomenon is spreading “like cancer,” as Benedikt Hofmann from the UN is quoted in a press release. Authorities address the problem only in specific areas but cannot eradicate the roots, which simply move elsewhere. The result is a connected ecosystem driven by resourceful syndicates exploiting vulnerabilities, corrupting legislative processes, governments, and other institutions, thereby threatening the sovereignty of the respective state.
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From Asia to Europe
The UN reports that Asian-led scam call centers have now been discovered in Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, and some Pacific islands. Additionally, related cases of money laundering, human trafficking, and services for recruiting new employees have been found across America and Europe.
Countries in Europe that stand out in the report include Georgia, Russia, Turkey, Czech Republic, Romania, and Ukraine. In Georgia, for example, operators of fraudulent call centers pose as recruiters to hire customer service staff. They particularly target Chinese individuals or those with Chinese language skills, as the country is a particularly lucrative target.
Could Germany Also Be Affected?
Regarding money laundering that may be directly or indirectly linked to scam call centers, the UN notes increasing partnerships between Asian actors and other criminal organizations worldwide.
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In this context, perpetrators also handle funds generated in countries such as Albania, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and, among others, Germany. These funds come from groups responsible for the illegal distribution of narcotics, counterfeit goods, as well as prostitution and tax and customs fraud.
Whether people in Germany will be more frequently affected by fraudulent calls due to the ongoing spread of scam call centers is not clear from the report. However, if the trend continues, this is certainly conceivable. Already, there are regular spam calls here that harass individuals.
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Call Centers as a Source of Funding
Scam call centers serve as a revenue source to finance other ventures. Criminal organizations might purchase properties to build hotels or casinos that appear legitimate. In reality, they continue to operate illegal gambling, drug and human trafficking, and money laundering.
To curb this, the UN recommends tracing the flow of money rather than just closing individual call centers. This could uncover the network itself and confiscate the proceeds. Additionally, stricter regulations are needed.