Close call: Thai ex-adviser’s wife nearly scammed of 14 million baht
The wife of a former adviser to the minister of commerce was nearly duped into transferring 14 million baht by a call centre scam.
The incident occurred yesterday, February 5, when police from Mueang Chai Nat Police Station investigated a local resort following a report from 56 year old Dr Natjarat Klumtawee, a former adviser to the minister of commerce. His wife was targeted by a call centre gang posing as police officers using AI.
The victim, 56 year old civil servant Bee, who works in the finance department of a government agency in Chai Nat province, was lured to a resort room by scammers.
When police arrived and knocked on the door, she answered, visibly startled and holding a phone. The call was connected to an AI police impersonator, claiming to be Police Lieutenant Thanawit Wongmoon from Ubon Ratchathani City.
As soon as real police officers requested to speak, the line was disconnected. Fortunately, Bee’s husband had acted quickly by alerting the police before any money was transferred. The police then escorted her to Mueang Chai Nat Police Station to file a complaint against the call centre gang.
The husband shared that earlier that morning, his wife had received a phone call mentioning a crime involving opening a bank account in Ubon Ratchathani with 14 million baht for money laundering.
She then left home without her official attire, and he later received a message from her indicating she was at a city resort. Upon finding her car parked there, he immediately contacted the police, fearing that it was a kidnapping or ransom situation.
Bee revealed that the scammers had convinced her to book a room under the pretext of assisting her and mitigating the alleged charges. She believed them, worried about her government position and potential consequences on her career, as she feared being implicated in wrongdoing, reported KhaoSod.
The husband urged the Thai government to intensify efforts to eliminate scammers exploiting citizens and to address data breaches that allow call centre gangs to access personal information. He emphasised the need for a robust crackdown to prevent further victimisation of innocent citizens.
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