Utility Scammers Steal 4.4 Million Baht in One-Day Phishing
Fraudsters posing as electricity and water officials have stolen over 4.4 million baht in one day by tricking victims into installing a malicious app via fake SMS and LINE links. The Anti-Online Scam Center warned that the app grants remote access to phones, allowing criminals to drain bank accounts or secure online loans. The public is urged to avoid clicking links, sharing OTPs, and to call the AOC 1441 hotline immediately if targeted.
The Anti-Online Scam Center (ACSC) under the Royal Thai Police issued a warning on 20 October 2026 that criminals impersonating electricity and water authorities have defrauded victims of over 4.4 million baht in one day. The center said it had received complaints dated 17 October 2026 involving groups that pose as utility workers, calling or sending SMS messages about unpaid bills or fake refund offers to create panic. Victims are then lured to add the scammers on LINE and sent links to download a bogus application presented as an official government or utility app. Once installed, the app requests remote‑access privileges, letting the fraudsters view the screen, control taps and access banking apps on the device. They then transfer all funds from the victim’s bank account or open online credit lines through the same apps to siphon money out completely. The ACSC stressed that genuine utilities never send SMS with download links or ask for financial transactions via phone or chat apps. It advised the public not to click any links, install unknown apps, or share passwords or OTP codes, and to call the AOC 1441 hotline immediately if they suspect a scam.
