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The secrets of scam farms

15 snips
Oct 14, 2025
Erin West, a national leader in investigating cryptocurrency crimes and founder of Operation Shamrock, reveals the chilling world of scam farms. These operations, often resembling prisons, lure victims with fake job offers and exploit them under brutal conditions. Erin discusses the psychological manipulation used to control workers, the staggering financial impact on global economies, and how scams have evolved with AI. She also shares insights on how authorities are cracking down on these networks and offers tips for spotting potential trafficking risks.
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INSIGHT

Scam Farms Are Industrial Criminal Networks

  • Scam farms are industrial operations that blend call-center structure with human trafficking and violence.
  • They run scripted, high-volume scams like romance, crypto, and tech-support to steal large sums globally.
INSIGHT

Why Southeast Asia Became A Hotspot

  • Scam compounds proliferated in Southeast Asia after COVID when empty casinos and tourism infrastructure were repurposed.
  • Weak law enforcement, corruption, and porous borders let organized groups turn buildings into profitable scam hubs.
INSIGHT

Scams Reshape Local Power And Funding

  • Scam compounds can generate revenue comparable to national GDPs in some regions, shifting local power dynamics.
  • Armed groups and syndicates fight to control these lucrative hubs, funding their armies and influence.
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