Macau upgrades anti-fraud measures as AI-driven scams target gambling sector
Macaus Judiciary Police (PJ) has launched an upgraded Anti-Fraud Centre in response to increasingly sophisticated scams, including the citys first known case involving artificial intelligence (AI), according to local media reports. The move comes amid growing concerns over AI-driven fraud targeting the gambling hubs financial and digital sectors.
Unveiled on 27 May 2025, the new facility features a dedicated operational space and an AI Deepfake Interactive Experience Zone, designed to raise public awareness about the emerging technologies used by fraudsters. Officials say the centre will also help modernise education campaigns, enhance cooperation with banks, and improve cross-border fraud prevention efforts.
PJ Deputy Director Sou Sio Keong emphasised the urgency of the initiative, noting that recent scams have involved AI-generated impersonations of customer service agents from platforms such as Alipay. Within a short span, multiple victims lost money after trusting fraudulent calls mimicking legitimate platforms, he said.
Notable decline in fraud cases
The enhanced centre comes amid a notable decline in fraud statistics. Macau recorded 1,260 telecom-related fraud cases in 2024, a 1.4 percent drop from the previous year. Financial losses also fell significantly by 25 percent, down to MOP232 million (26.6 million). In the first quarter of 2025 alone, cases fell by 12.1 percent, with a 28.4 percent drop in monetary losses.
Police caution that the recent decline in fraud could be temporary, as the use of AI in fraudulent schemes is on the rise. In a recent incident, a man from mainland China was arrested for employing AI tools to create and disseminate a false story about a celebrity supposedly losing 1 billion yuan (128 million) gambling in Macau. This fabricated rumor quickly went viral, causing public concern until authorities confirmed it was entirely baseless.
Elsewhere, AI-powered voice simulation has been used to impersonate representatives from global companies, such as Google, deceiving users into revealing sensitive information. While not directly linked to gambling, such tactics pose serious risks in a digital economy where 바카라s and financial institutions are heavily reliant on secure communication channels.
Aiming for zero fraud in 2025
Gambling-related fraud in Macau is still relatively rare, but cases involving cryptocurrency scams, fake investment schemes, and romance traps are increasingly reported. In the first half of 2024, gambling-related crime rose by 61.8 percent, with fraud accounting for nearly a quarter of the cases.
In response, the PJ will release a major update to its anti-fraud mobile app in the third quarter of 2025. The update aims to offer real-time alerts, scam verification tools, and quicker support for victims. A city-wide Public Anti-Fraud Awareness Week is also planned to strengthen defenses further.
Officials stress that combating modern fraud requires staying ahead of criminals who are quick to adapt to new technology. AI may enhance convenience, said Sou, but in the wrong hands, it becomes a powerful tool for deception.
