Bangkok: Police have arrested a gang that repeatedly scammed victims out of 8.1 million baht through 64 fraudulent money transfers. The scammers, who operated by claiming to help victims recover money lost in an initial phone purchase scam, were apprehended after an extensive investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Special Operations Division of the Central Investigation Bureau deployed a team to arrest Ms. Amornrat, also known as "Alice," a 41-year-old resident of Trang province. She was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court and was captured at Bangkok Central Station in Chatuchak district while attempting to flee south.
The case dates back to May 2015 when a victim ordered a mobile phone via Facebook and transferred money for the product, which was never delivered. After realizing the scam, the victim was contacted via LINE by a scammer who claimed to be able to recover the stolen money. The victim followed the scammer's instructions, resulting in 64 money transfers and losses totaling 8.1 million baht, before the scammer ceased contact.
During questioning, Ms. Amornrat denied all charges, stating that she had previously lent her bank book, ATM card, and PIN to a close colleague and lost contact with them until her arrest. She has been taken into custody and transferred to Phuping Rajanives Police Station in Chiang Mai for further legal proceedings.