Scam calls targeting elderly surge in Thailand
BANGKOK, THAILAND — Thai authorities are concerned about a spike in phone scams preying on vulnerable adults.
One 68-year-old woman in Thailand lost 1.5 million baht (US$42,521) in just 30 minutes after receiving a call posing as a bank agent with a government payout offer. After providing personal details, she was tricked into transferring funds through a series of links.
In another case, an 82-year-old woman attempted suicide after being conned out of 2.5 million baht (US$70,868). Scammers impersonating police claimed illegal items were addressed to her, demanding money to settle it. Desperate, she installed a banking app and wired her life savings before realizing it was a scam.
These incidents in Thailand highlight how scammers exploit seniors who tend to be more trusting and eager for financial help. The gangs often pose as government or financial agencies to pressure victims into immediate money transfers.
According to Thai police, over 360,000 cybercrime cases were reported from March 2022 to November 2023, with estimated losses of 49 billion baht (US$1.39 billion). However, many cases go unreported.
“Elder retirees are one of the targets of scammers as they have money and time,” said Police Major General Atthasit Sudsa-nguan, Deputy Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB).
Authorities in Thailand advise hanging up on suspicious calls and independently verifying identities.
Sudsa-nguan added that victims should also call the Anti Online Scam Operation Centre’s hotline for help.
Scam call centers are rapidly increasing across Southeast Asia, with a concerning increase in human trafficking tied to this malicious activity. A recent report from the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office drew attention to the surge in individuals being trafficked into online scams in the region.
