Romance, friend impostor, SMS scams top fraud cases, police say

Staying safe online is paramount in today’s digital world, but with the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal tactics, staying informed is essential. The Royal Thai Police has recently released a warning about the most prevalent scams plaguing Thais in 2024. Let’s dive into the most common threats and how to protect yourself.

Thai Cybercrime on the Rise: 739,000 Cases & 77 Billion Baht in Damages

Between March 1st and November 30th, 2024, a staggering 739,000 online complaints were lodged with the Royal Thai Police through their www.thaipoliceonline.go.th platform. These complaints resulted in losses exceeding 77 billion baht – an average of 77 million baht per day.

Here are the four most common scams you should be aware of:

1. **Romance Scams:** These scams begin with a fake social media profile designed to lure victims into a romantic relationship. The scammer might claim to have sent a valuable package stuck in Thai customs for taxation purposes, requesting payment for “release fees.” They might also entice you to participate in fraudulent investment schemes.

2. **Friend Impostor Scams:** This scam involves an impersonator posing as a friend or relative on the phone. They’ll use deceptive tactics like asking for a quick “guessing game” where they identify a friend’s voice, creating a false sense of trust. Once the victim falls for the trick, they’ll request money.

3. **Phishing Links:** Keep an eye out for unsolicited text messages with harmful links. These texts commonly promise lucky draws, product discounts, or retrieval of lost parcels. Clicking on these links can lead to the theft of personal information or bank access.

4. **Government Imposter Scams:** Be wary of calls from individuals claiming to be government officials. They might accuse you of involvement in illegal activities, pressure you to transfer money for examination purposes, or attempt to trick you into installing malicious software.

**Stay Vigilant and Protect Yourself:**

It’s crucial to stay informed about evolving cyberthreats and adopt preventive measures. Be cautious about sharing personal information online, verify sender identities before engaging with requests for money, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities via www.thaipoliceonline.go.th or the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB)’s 24-hour hotline 1441.