Police Warn of Fake Language Course Scams Costing Victims Thousands
The user wants a short summary of the article about fake language course scams. The summary must be 1-2 sentences, 120-220 characters, max 240. Output in English only, no quotes, no markdown, just the text. Key points: Police warn of fake s
Police are warning the public about fraudulent short-term foreign language courses that have left many victims out of pocket and unable to travel. Pol. Lt. Col. Thanyachanok Saeng-ai, Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police Office, revealed that authorities have received numerous complaints from citizens who fell victim to scams involving short-term language study abroad programs, resulting in financial loss and missed educational opportunities.
Investigations found that perpetrators lure interested parties to apply for short-term language courses abroad, requiring upfront payment of 30,000 to 50,000 baht per person. However, when the travel date arrives, victims do not receive plane tickets or travel documents. Some are told their departure is postponed indefinitely, while others face sudden changes to their destination institutions without consent, making actual study impossible and refunds unattainable.
Police urge greater caution when selecting companies or agents for overseas study services, emphasizing the principle: "Check before you apply, be sure before you pay." Key steps include: 1. Verify directly with the destination institution regarding course details, admissions, and authorized representatives. 2. Scrutinize contracts and conditions carefully before signing or transferring money, including cancellation terms and refund policies. 3. Do not transfer money if information about the agent, company, or course remains unclear or suspicious.
Victims or those with information can report to the AOC 1441 hotline or file a complaint online at www.thaipoliceonline.go.th, available 24 hours.
