Bangkok: The Anti Cyber ??Scam Center (ACSC) recently executed a successful operation rescuing two students from a call center scam that trapped them in a fraudulent scheme. The online anti-fraud center uncovered the machinations of a call center gang that manipulated students into extorting 1.5 million baht from their parents by masquerading as scholarship providers. Victims were held in isolation in private rooms and subjected to 24/7 surveillance through video calls.
According to Thai News Agency, the ACSC, under the leadership of Pol. Gen. Thana Chuwong and Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirapop Phuridej of the Royal Thai Police, revealed details of the operation that saved the students from the gang's clutches. The gang had threatened the students with fabricated legal consequences unless they transferred money and valuables, purportedly to prove their innocence. The operation's success was marked by the rescue of two students on August 28.
In the first case, the Online Anti-Fraud Center teamed up with Mahasarakham City Police Station to intervene as an 18-year-old student was on the verge of transferring 310,000 baht to scammers. The victim was initially contacted by fraudsters posing as mobile phone company employees, who then connected her to a fake police officer from the Phichit Police Station via Line. Using counterfeit documents containing her personal information, the scammers coerced her into believing she was involved in a money laundering case, demanding an immediate money transfer to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to avoid an arrest warrant.
The victim was further manipulated into asking her parents for money under false pretenses, claiming urgent funds were needed for studying abroad. Her parents, unaware of the deception, transferred the money, which she then attempted to withdraw from a bank. Fortunately, a bank employee noticed her suspicious behavior, alerted the police, and delayed the transaction until authorities arrived. The victim was subsequently taken to the Mahasarakham City Police Station for further questioning.
In the second case, a 22-year-old student fell prey to the gang's control for two days, resulting in over 1.5 million baht in losses. The victim was forced to participate in continuous video calls, leaving her feeling isolated and helpless. Her father and boyfriend, suspecting foul play, reported the situation to Phutthamonthon Police Station, leading to her rescue on August 28. Reunited with her father, the victim expressed her remorse, repeatedly apologizing.
The scammers initially posed as mobile company employees, accusing the victim of owning a phone number used in fraudulent activities. They instructed her to contact a fake police officer via LINE, who accused her of involvement in illegal financial activities. Under duress, the victim was isolated in a hotel room, forbidden from seeking help, and coerced into transferring 1 million baht under the guise of proving her innocence.
When unable to provide the full amount, the victim was forced to deceive her parents again for an additional 500,000 baht. This money was handed over at a hotel parking lot under the pretense of scholarship verification. The scammers later demanded a further 100,000 baht, prompting the victim to seek financial help from friends and her boyfriend. Investigations reveal total damages exceeding 1.5 million baht, with police working to identify and apprehend the criminal network involved.
The Online Anti-Fraud Center cautions students against falling prey to fraudsters impersonating government officials. They emphasize that genuine officials will never communicate via LINE, video calls, or request money transfers for verification purposes. Individuals are urged to report suspicious activities to local police stations or contact the AOC hotline at 1441 for assistance.