UN Migration Agency Warns Online Scam Centres Are Driving a Global Surge in Human Trafficking
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that online scam centres have become one of the fastest-growing sources of human trafficking, with criminal networks exploiting fake job advertisements to lure victims from more than 80 countries.
Ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, IOM Director General Amy Pope said organised crime groups are increasingly using social media and online recruitment platforms to target educated job seekers seeking legitimate employment opportunities abroad.
According to Pope, many victims are fluent in English, possess university qualifications and believe they are accepting genuine job offers. However, upon arrival at scam compounds, they often have their passports confiscated, are subjected to physical and psychological abuse and are forced to participate in fraudulent online operations with little chance of escape.
The IOM described the scam networks as highly organised and financially lucrative. Citing estimates from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Pope said global losses linked to online scam operations reached between $88 billion and $114 billion last year, highlighting the growing scale of the criminal industry.
The agency has helped more than 3,500 survivors from 33 countries return home, many of whom face severe emotional trauma, financial hardship and significant debt after spending months or even years trapped in the compounds.
Pope also expressed concern that many survivors are mistakenly treated as criminals rather than victims of trafficking. She called for stronger international cooperation, greater public awareness and enhanced preventive measures to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable people from deceptive recruitment schemes.
The IOM estimates that around 300,000 people are currently working in online scam centres worldwide. While not every worker has been trafficked, the agency believes a substantial number were recruited through deception and remain unable to leave or access assistance.
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