Digital Progress or Peril? Navigating the Scam Landscape to Ensure No One is Left Behind

Digital technology has transformed our world, making information, services, and commerce more accessible than ever before. From online banking and shopping to e-governance and digital health services, our daily lives are increasingly linked to the Internet. However, this elevated convenience is a double-edged sword.

The growth and accessibility of digital technologies has also paved the way for scams to become more sophisticated and widespread, yet they remain unseen to many. The same technologies that we use to aid our work process and lifestyle habits could also be the same ones that expose us to scams, data breaches and other cybersecurity threats.

 
Digital Progress, New Vulnerabilities
With every new digital service or platform, convenience increases – but so do opportunities for scammers. Cybercriminals now use advanced tools – especially artificial intelligence (AI) and automation – to create scams that are incredibly difficult to detect.

 
Phishing emails and messages can now mimic the tone and style of legitimate organisations or trusted individuals. Fake websites, media articles and social media accounts are set up quickly, sometimes using stolen logos and branding to appear authentic. Deepfake technology can create convincing fake videos or audio recordings, impersonating business leaders, government officials, or even family members.

Many regions across the globe have implemented a range of safeguards and robust measures to protect their citizens from scams and fraudulent activities. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have dedicated agencies – such as the Federal Trade Commission and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau – that not only investigate scam reports, but also proactively educate the public through campaigns, hotlines, and easily accessible resources.

In Singapore, an initiative, ScamShield, was launched through a joint effort by authorities including the Ministry of Home Affairs and Singapore Police Force. It offers a suite of products and tools that helps defend against scams such as a helpline, app and a website containing a range of anti-scam resources.

Lagging Behind
Financial institutions in these countries and others are typically required by law to use advanced security technologies, such as multi-factor authentication and real-time fraud monitoring, further reducing the risk of scams.

In contrast, many developing countries face significant challenges in implementing similar safeguards. Limited resources, weaker regulatory environments, and lower levels of digital literacy can make populations in these regions more vulnerable to scams. In some cases, law enforcement agencies may lack the necessary training or technological tools to track and prosecute scammers effectively. Public awareness campaigns may be sparse or underfunded, and consumer protection laws may be outdated or poorly enforced.

 
As a result, individuals in developing countries often rely on informal networks of trust, which can be easily exploited by sophisticated fraudsters. The rapid growth of Internet and mobile phone usage in these regions, without corresponding investment in security infrastructure, has further amplified these risks.

Some of these issues and challenges are further outlined in the “Anti-Scam Handbook v1.0” launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to address the growing threat of digital scams globally. They include increasing vulnerabilities during digitalisation, a lack of awareness and digital literacy, and resource constraints and capacity gaps.
The handbook offers insights into global scam trends, explores frameworks tailored to developing country contexts, and provides practical tools and capabilities to enhance collaboration and response efforts. It aims to strengthen the capacity of countries to combat digital scams effectively through strategic initiatives, innovative assessment tools, and a shared knowledge platform, fostering a secure and inclusive digital environment for all and others.

A Barrier to Progress
When scams proliferate, they can have a ripple effect that undermine many facets of sustainable development. Financial harm and inequality can lead to reduced digital adoption and a hesitancy to technologies in general and ultimately an erosion of trust. As scams become more convincing and frequent, people may lose faith not only in digital platforms but also in the authorities and institutions meant to protect them.
When trust is low and scams are rampant, institutions seem less credible and misinformation spreads faster. When people mistrust digital systems, efforts to roll out new technologies, promote digital literacy, or fight online crime together become less effective.

Building a Safer Digital Future
The disparity in protection exposes populations in developing countries to greater financial and emotional harm from scams. International organisations, non-profits, and governments have recognised these vulnerabilities and are working to bridge the gap, but significant progress is still needed. Addressing these issues requires a combination of strengthened regulatory frameworks, investment in public education, and international cooperation to combat cross-border scams, ensuring that protections against fraud are not limited by geography or economic development.

No single person or organisation can tackle this threat alone. The UNDP handbook underscores the need that to address digital scams, it requires a collective, multi-stakeholder approach involving collaboration across governments, private sector entities, civil society, and international organisations. It emphasises that scams are complex and cross-border, thus necessitating coordinated efforts to effectively combat them. The coalition approach aims to build trust and open communication among diverse actors, share data and insights, and leverage collective resources and expertise.
Moreover, the handbook advocates for broadening partnerships to include global entities like social media platforms and financial institutions, recognising that scams operate across borders and sectors, thus requiring a unified response to effectively mitigate their impact.

Technology is a powerful engine for sustainable development. But to realise its benefits, we must address the dark side: scams that undermine progress and trust. By working together – across government, business, and the public – we can build digital systems that are not only innovative and inclusive, but also secure and trustworthy. Staying vigilant, informed, and proactive is essential to making sure digital progress lifts everyone, rather than leaving some behind.