Thai woman held for impersonating diplomat in 6 million baht scam

Thai police apprehended a young woman impersonating a Thai diplomat in Canada, accused of scamming a student out of 6 million baht using fake passport allegations.

Following directives from Police General Kittirat Phanphet and Police Lieutenant General Thatchai Pitaneelabut, who are focused on eradicating criminal organisations causing public distress, the online patrol unit of the Metropolitan Investigation Bureau unearthed a call centre scam network. This network, notorious for its fraudulent activities, has inflicted significant financial damage on the public.

Yesterday, October 3, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang and several other high-ranking officers instructed their team to arrest 19 year old Papatsorn (surname withheld), under an arrest warrant dated September 25.

The charges include collaborative fraud by impersonation and introducing false computer data likely to cause public harm. She was apprehended at a residence in Prachantakham, Prachinburi province, around 12.30pm yesterday, October 3.

The investigation stemmed from an incident in mid-April when a victim received a call from their son studying in Vancouver, Canada. The son reported receiving a call from scammers posing as Thai embassy officials, who falsely claimed he possessed a fake passport.

The victim was convinced to speak with another scammer impersonating a central investigative officer. This individual deceived the victim into transferring funds to verify his financial records, ensuring no involvement in illicit activities.

Trusting the scammers, the victim transferred over 6 million baht (US$180,830) across four mule accounts, with more than 1 million baht (US$30,140) reaching Papatsorn’s account.

Diplomat scam

Realising the scam, the victim reported the incident to the Prachachuen police station. Upon interrogation, Papatsorn confessed to being lured by a close female friend to work in Poipet, Cambodia, earlier in the year.

She was tricked into opening online bank accounts with three banks, receiving 6,000 baht (US$180) in return. Using natural routes to exit Thailand, she reached Cambodia with two to three others and was confined to a room at the border.

Papatsorn, along with over 10 others, was duped into opening multiple bank accounts. During her stay, she was only required to verify her identity via phone daily. After three days, the scammers allowed her to return home with only 2,000 baht (US$60) left.

Unable to contact her friend again, Papatsorn was eventually arrested. She expressed regret, acknowledging her actions were driven by a desire for money, unaware of the severe consequences.

Police detained Papatsorn and transferred her to the Prachachuen police station for legal proceedings. Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradech issued a public warning, advising against opening bank accounts or SIM cards for strangers or newly acquainted individuals, stressing the risk of falling victim to scammers and facing legal repercussions, reported KhaoSod.

Citizens are urged to report suspicious activities to the Metropolitan Investigation Bureau page, available 24/7. Despite the case’s severity, authorities are committed to addressing public grievances promptly.