An online fraudster operating through the TikTok account “Hein Htet” has reportedly scammed more than 50 people predominantly women by promising high-paying jobs in China.
Claiming to be an assistant to a prominent businessman, the scammer lured victims from Upper Myanmar with promises of monthly salaries in the millions of kyats, only to leave them stranded at border towns after stealing their money.
A member of a local defense force in Thazi Township, who is close to some of the victims, told Mizzima that the scammer instructed the victims to travel to Myanmar-China border towns such as Tachileik, Muse, Laukkai, and the Wa region. Once they arrived, the scammer cut off all contact.
“They asked for money via K-pay for processing passports and documents. After two or three days, they would say the passport is ready and ask where to pick them up. But once the victims arrived at the meeting point, the scammer switched off their phone. Some were told the recruiter was in Lashio or elsewhere, but they never showed up in person. They lied by saying they would send them to China with great prospects,” the source said.
The defense force member added that they have a list of over 50 victims defrauded during February and March, though the actual number is likely higher. Most of the victims are women.
The victims are reportedly from Thazi, Mahlaing, and Taungtha in the Mandalay Region, as well as Lashio, Kutkai, and Hsenwi in Northern Shan State.
“By district, most victims are from Upper Myanmar. Since there are no jobs there, they came to the border hoping for work. We don’t know how many people were scammed before this. They were contacted online and are now stranded at the border,” said a person close to one of the victims.
The source said that the scammer appeared to target Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and those who are desperate for work and might be hesitant to report to the police.
“When they asked for 500,000 kyats and a victim said they only had 200,000, the scammer would claim to cover the rest. Then, they would say they were on their way to pick the victim up but would call saying their car broke down and ask for another 100,000 kyats urgently. I want to warn others so they don’t get scammed like this,” said one of the victims.
Since the military coup, online financial fraud has worsened, and no effective action has been seen from the Military Commission.
Despite the Military Commission’s raids and crackdowns on scam hubs across the country, online fraud operations continue to function.
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