A Times Reporter Goes Inside a Cyberscam Center in a War Zone

A New York Times reporter gained rare access to a cyberscam center in Myanmar, recently seized by rebel fighters, to investigate how Chinese criminals target Americans. The center, located near the Thai border, employed over 3,000 people who engaged in elaborate online fraud, often posing as romantic interests to extract money from victims. Scammers used fake backgrounds and technology, including AT&T SIM cards, to appear as though they were calling from the United States. The investigation revealed evidence of the scams, including records, electronic equipment, and even a gong and drum used to celebrate successful scams. Despite being in a war zone, with mortar rounds impacting nearby, some Chinese workers remained at the complex, lured by false job offers.

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