GASA's Asia survey: 71% met a scam, US$136.5 billion estimated lost

GASA released its State of Scams in Asia 2026 survey on October 21. Opinium surveyed 17,460 adults in 13 markets between March 16 and April 13, and the survey was developed with Gogolook, which makes the Whoscall caller-ID and anti-scam app. 71% encountered a scam in the past year, 62% of those interacted with it, and 26% of those lost money. GASA estimates US$136.5 billion lost across the 13 markets in 12 months. Phone calls were the most common channel at 56%, then text messages at 50% and messaging apps at 40%. In Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, more than six in ten respondents encountered scams by phone or text.

71% backed letting banks block suspected-scam high-value transactions without the customer’s permission. 69% backed letting telecom operators or messaging apps block calls and messages they believe are malicious. The release does not say how the loss figure was estimated. GASA published the methodology behind its 2026 State of Scams reports in May, which separates scam encounters from confirmed losses.

The release’s percentages multiply out to about 11% of respondents losing money. GASA’s report page says 9% lost money or personal information that led to a financial loss, and 4% reported to authorities. The release says 85% of victims reported their experience.