Police Bust Call-Center Scam, Recover Victim's Details

Bangkok police have opened an investigation into a call-center fraud gang that stole 850,000 baht from a 19-year-old victim on August 31, 2026. The scam began when criminals posing as a corporate communications officer called the victim, claiming her national ID number had been used to open a mobile phone account for illegal purposes. The caller then transferred her to someone impersonating a Ranong City Police officer, complete with uniform, white face mask, and a fake police station backdrop, who falsely accused her of involvement in a crime and demanded money to verify her innocence.

The victim transferred 50,000 baht initially, then withdrew a further 800,000 baht in cash from Thai Commercial Bank at the gang's direction. She was instructed to hand over the cash to a Chinese man waiting outside a condominium in the Phaya Thai area between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. Police from two investigation units have taken over the case and are reviewing CCTV footage, money transfers, and communications records to identify all gang members.

Investigators believe the operation involved a organized division of labor, with separate roles for the initial caller, the fake police officer, and the cash receiver. Police have warned the public that government officials never require money transfers or cash withdrawals to prove innocence or resolve legal matters. Anyone receiving such calls should hang up immediately and contact the appropriate authorities.