Counterfeit money scam shocks Thailand’s mobile top-up kiosk operators

A video circulating on social media platforms showing a successful mobile top-up using counterfeit money has rocked Thailand. The clip, posted on the Facebook page Want to Be Famous, will arrange it, Retrine part 6, has triggered concerns among kiosk operators offering top-up services.

A 71 year old shopkeeper, known as Uncle Lek, from Moo 6, Saohonghin sub-district, Bangyai district, Nonthaburi province, yesterday expressed his concerns. His shop, which has a mobile top-up kiosk operating for seven to eight years, has never experienced customers using counterfeit money for top-ups.

Uncle Lek said he had been unaware of the viral video demonstrating the technique until now. He said that he had never seen any counterfeit notes in his kiosk as customers usually change money at the shop and use it to top up almost every time. He urged people not to adopt such fraudulent practices.

“Don’t do this. It’s not good at all.”

Deputy Superintendent of Bangyai Police Station, Nonthaburi Province, Police Lieutenant Dr Thanadech Tinakul advised that in light of the video, all business operators, including various shops with coin-operated machines, should be vigilant of individuals with suspicious behaviour. He urged the public to keep an eye out and help monitor the situation. If such an incident truly occurred, it would inevitably lead to losses.

He further added that if anyone spots suspicious individuals or witnesses unlawful activities, they can report to the police station in their area or call 191, available 24 hours, reported Sanook.

A Thai man was arrested by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) for selling counterfeit 1,000 baht banknotes online. The Bank of Thailand received a complaint about the fake bills being sold on Twitter and urgently reported the issue to the ECD, stressing the potential economic impact of the counterfeit currency. Read more HERE.

A cautionary story has surfaced in northeast Thailand, highlighting an incident where a scammer utilized counterfeit currency for transactions. The fraudster utilized a fake 1,000 baht banknote and received 903 baht in change. Read more HERE.