Telecom scams trigger concerns over bank account security

Fraud cases committed by telecom scam gangs, known locally as Zhapian, have increased, raising growing concern among private bank account holders in Myanmar about the security of their funds.

Since mid-2025, people operating money transfer and exchange services between Myanmar and foreign countries have increasingly had their private bank accounts suspended or closed over suspected links to telecom scams, according to a Myanmar–Thailand money transfer service operator.

“When bank accounts are closed, businesses are severely affected, and it becomes very difficult to continue operations. Even people who provide money transfer services without knowing they are linked to Zhapian gangs may end up facing bank account suspension or closure,” he told Shan Herald.