Fake Police Scams in Myanmar
Fraudsters in Myanmar impersonate police and government officials to extort payments from residents under the threat of fabricated investigations.
Part of: Fake Police Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Impersonation of law enforcement and government officials is a documented fraud pattern in Myanmar, exploiting the relationship between citizens and authorities to create fear and compliance. Victims receive phone calls from individuals claiming to be police officers, tax inspectors, or court officials, alleging that the victim is implicated in a criminal case and must pay immediately to avoid arrest.
These scams are particularly effective in Myanmar's current environment, where institutional uncertainty and heightened sensitivity around law enforcement contacts can make victims reluctant to verify claims or push back on demands.
How this scam works on Myanmar
A caller claims to be a police officer or court official and states that the victim's name has appeared in connection with a drugs case, financial crime, or illegal online activity. Immediate payment — by mobile money, bank transfer, or physical cash delivery — is demanded to 'clear' the victim's name before a warrant is issued.
Some callers already have partial information about the victim — their name, neighbourhood, or occupation — sourced from community networks or social media, which lends the call apparent credibility. Victims are instructed not to discuss the matter with anyone until it is resolved.
Variants also involve callers claiming to be from immigration or customs, targeting families of overseas workers with demands for 'document processing fees' to resolve alleged violations.
Common red flags
- An unexpected call claims you are implicated in a criminal investigation.
- Immediate payment is demanded to avoid arrest.
- You are told not to speak with family or consult a lawyer.
- The caller knows your name or some personal detail but presses for more information.
- Payment by mobile money or cash delivery is requested rather than through any official channel.
How to protect yourself
- Hang up and verify any claim by calling the relevant authority through publicly available contact details.
- Real criminal investigations result in written official notices — phone-only payment demands are fraudulent.
- Do not provide additional personal information to an unsolicited caller claiming authority.
- Tell a trusted family member or community leader about the call.
- Never pay money to resolve an alleged legal matter without verification.
How to report it
- Report to the nearest police station or the Myanmar Police Force.
- Warn community members about the type of call you received.
- If the caller claimed to be immigration or customs, notify those agencies of the impersonation.
Frequently asked questions
The caller claimed my relative working abroad has an immigration violation — how do I check if that's true?
Contact the relevant embassy or immigration authority in the country where your relative is working directly, using officially published contact details, rather than relying on anything the caller tells you. Also try to contact your relative directly to confirm their situation.
Is it safe to just stay silent and hang up without saying anything?
Yes — you are not obligated to engage with, argue with, or explain yourself to an unsolicited caller. Hanging up immediately and verifying independently afterward is a reasonable and safe response to any call demanding urgent payment.
Should I warn my neighbours if I receive one of these calls?
Yes — these scams often target multiple people in the same community using shared or purchased contact lists, so warning neighbours and community leaders can help prevent others from being caught out by the same caller or script.
Would Myanmar Police call and demand payment over the phone?
No. Legitimate official processes result in formal notices. Any call demanding phone payment to avoid arrest is a scam, regardless of what information the caller holds.