Gift Card Gangs From China Operating Inside The United States – 2024

Gift Card Gangs From China Operating Inside The United States

How Organized Crime Gangs from China are Operating inside the U.S.

Authors:
•  Craig Silverman and Peter Elkind, ProPublica
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Federal authorities are investigating the involvement of Chinese organized crime rings in gift card fraud schemes targeting American consumers, launching a task force named “Project Red Hook” to combat this growing threat. The initiative focuses on preventing “card draining,” where thieves exploit stolen or altered card numbers to siphon money before legitimate owners can use them.

Over the past 18 months, law enforcement has arrested about 100 individuals for card draining, with the majority being Chinese nationals or Chinese Americans. The schemes, estimated to have stolen hundreds of millions of dollars, highlight the need for industry collaboration and heightened security measures.

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China Encourages Armed Offensive Against Myanmar Over Slave Scam Centres – 2024

China Encourages Armed Offensive Against Myanmar Over Slave Scam Centres

At least one country recognizes that the fight against scamming requires military intervention.

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime

About This Article

In response to Myanmar’s failure to address the proliferation of online scams, China lends support to an armed offensive against the military junta in Myanmar.

Named Operation 1027, the offensive was executed by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, severely challenging the Tatmadaw’s control.

China’s dissatisfaction stemmed from the exploitation of Chinese citizens by scam centers in Myanmar. Despite calling for a ceasefire post-operation, China prioritized the handover of scam suspects over pressuring armed groups to cease operations.

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