BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has reported an 80% decrease in call center scam cases following a nationwide crackdown under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s “No End Until It’s Over” policy. Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap confirmed that authorities have disrupted the financial and logistical networks supporting scam operations, leading to thousands of arrests along Thailand’s eastern and western borders. However, new scam tactics continue to emerge, with criminals impersonating officials from government agencies to pressure victims into transferring money.
A new scheme, known as the “Seductive Call Gang,” has recently surfaced, using social media to manipulate victims. Scammers steal photos from platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to create fake profiles and initiate online relationships. Once trust is established, they persuade victims to send money, invest in fraudulent schemes, or engage in intimate video calls, which are later used for blackmail. Some victims have faced extortion demands ranging from tens of thousands to millions of baht.
Law enforcement has already begun tracking members of this scam network. In a recent case, fraudsters impersonated a female police officer, using her photos and videos to deceive victims. Posing as the officer, they convinced people to send money, claiming it was needed for firearm purchases related to police duties. Some victims were manipulated into compromising situations, with scammers recording explicit content to demand ransom.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), confirmed that cybercrime investigators are actively pursuing suspects involved in these scams. The perpetrators face multiple charges under Thai law, including extortion, blackmail, and computer-related offenses, with penalties ranging from three to ten years in prison and substantial fines.
As online scams become increasingly sophisticated, the government is urging the public to remain cautious. Authorities advise people to be skeptical of online interactions with strangers, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) or the Anti-Scam Hotline. (NNT)
