Myanmar's fraud factories are still in business and bigger than ever, says an AFP investigation

The fraudsters’ strategy is simple: lure stock investors with ads promising quick returns on Facebook or Instagram, bolster credibility of the offer using fake experts in WhatsApp groups. Once the investor is hooked, ask them to register on fake websites and invest through bKash or Nagad..

The telecom regulator has filed a case against Beximco Group Chairman Ahmed Sohail Fasihur Rahman, Vice-Chairman Salman Fazlur Rahman, CEO Shayan F Rahman, and 22 current and former members of the IGW Operators Forum (IOF), accusing them of embezzling over Tk 568 crore.

Flight Expert, a prominent Dhaka-based online travel agency, has abruptly gone dark, prompting panic among customers and widespread allegations of fraud. Since August 2, social media platforms have been flooded with complaints from individuals and businesses claiming they were scammed by the company, which specialised in flight ticket bookings.

Flight Expert managing director reportedly went into hiding

Social media flooded with outrage and concern

One particular scam that has become common lately is the 'job offer' scam message, in which unknown phone numbers offer jobs or money to unsuspecting mobile phone users. If you have recently received such scam messages, then be careful. Follow these ways to stay safe from this ongoing scam.

Despite such glaring examples, how are so many people still defrauded?

No government agency is taking responsibility for the MTFE scam that has left thousands of Bangladeshis staring at catastrophic losses due to the murky nature of its operations.

It has the classic appearance of a Ponzi scheme: promising high returns to potential investors and offering unusually high returns on their investments in a short span of time.

Volkswagen says 11 million vehicles worldwide are involved in the scandal that has erupted over its rigging of US car emissions tests.