Americans Are Top Targets of China-Linked Asian Scam Centers: Report

China’s selective crackdown on the criminal network pushed scammers to shift targets from Chinese victims to U.S. victims, the USCC said.

Scam center workers and victims sit on the ground during a crackdown operation by the Karen Border Guard Force on illicit activity at the KK Park complex in Myawaddy, Burma, on Feb. 26, 2025. STR/AFP via Getty Images

Americans have become top targets of China-linked scam syndicates in Southeast Asia as Beijing’s selective crackdowns pushed criminals to target more U.S. victims, according to a congressional report published this month.

While China reported a 30 percent decrease in money lost to online scams in 2024, the United States’ loss increased by 42 percent, the U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission said in a July 18 report.