Fuelled by fraud: Gas shop owner duped by fake cop seeks justice
A gas shop owner in Pathum Thani appealed to the Pavena Foundation after being scammed by a fraudster posing as a police officer. The person promised to assist with a stolen motorcycle case and compliance issues, ultimately defrauding her of over 3 million baht.
The gas shop owner, 39 year old Aem sought help from Pavena Hongsakul, chairperson of the Pavena Foundation for Women and Children, claiming she had been swindled by a man impersonating a police officer. The scammer offered to help with her stolen motorcycle and ensure her shop met legal standards but ended up taking over 3 million baht from her.
To pay him, she had to sell her car, liquidate assets, use her parents’ funeral funds, mortgage a rice field, and borrow money, leaving her financially destitute.
Overwhelmed and suffering from depression, Aem nearly jumped from a fifth-floor building to escape her problems. She requested the foundation’s assistance in tracking down the scammer to prevent further victimisation.
Aem explained that her shop is located in the Hathairat area of Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani. In December 2023, she purchased a second-hand motorcycle through Facebook for 8,000 baht. Two days after the purchase, a new employee stole the motorcycle.
When she reported the theft to the police, they could not file a report due to the vehicle registration being under the stolen seat.
Her daughter then posted about the missing motorcycle on Facebook. A 34 year old man from Nakhon Pathom called, claiming to be a police officer involved in vehicle pawn services.
He said someone had pawned her motorcycle and offered to return it if she transferred 2,200 baht for fuel costs. Trusting him, she sent the money but did not receive the motorcycle back.
When she called to follow up, the man gave various excuses, accusing her of purchasing an illegal motorcycle that could result in a six-month prison sentence and court appearances.
Fearful, Aem asked for guidance, and he claimed that he could help her, but it would require 80,000 baht to avoid legal issues. She complied and transferred the money. Subsequently, she was contacted by several individuals claiming to be lawyers and bank officials, who also requested money.
During the new year period, the scammer visited her home with gifts, continuing to persuade her to make more transfers of 10,000 to 30,000 baht each time. The total amount reached 500,000 baht without any return of the motorcycle.
He later questioned the legality of her gas shop sprinkler system, threatening legal action if it was not installed correctly. Afraid of further trouble, Aem complied, transferring sums of 50,000 to 80,000 baht each time.
She sold off all her assets, used her parents’ funeral savings, mortgaged her farmland, and borrowed heavily, eventually paying 2.5 million baht. The last transfer was made on February 13 last year, totalling over 3 million baht over two months.
Realising she had been deceived, Aem reported the incident to Khu Khot Police Station. Despite recognising the scammer, he remains at large a year later. She appealed to the Pavena Foundation for assistance, reported KhaoSod.
Pavena Hongsakul expressed concern and empathy for Aem’s situation, suspecting an organised scam operation. She coordinated with Police Colonel Kantapon Wanna from Khu Khot Police Station and instructed Ekaphap Hongsakul, the foundation’s director, to accompany Aem for further questioning and to expedite the arrest of those responsible.
Pavena will also liaise with Police Major General Yuthana Jonkhun, the Pathum Thani provincial police chief, to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, as this poses a significant threat to public safety.
If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.
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