Bangkok: A swift response by the Phetkasem Police Station has helped a 21-year-old vocational student, Ms. Jidapa, avoid falling victim to a call center scam that nearly cost her 100,000 baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the Superintendent of Phetkasem Police Station, Pol. Col. Pramote Chanboonkaew, and his team responded to a complaint filed by Mr. Chan, the student's father. The scam involved individuals posing as police officers who tricked Ms. Jidapa into believing she was involved in a gambling website, demanding she transfer 100,000 baht to avoid legal repercussions. The scam eventually led her to a hotel in the Phetkasem area of Bangkok.
The incident began when Mr. Chan reported to the Phetkasem Police Station that his daughter had disappeared from their residence in Bang Khae, Bangkok, along with valuable belongings. Fearing for her safety, he filed a complaint. Police investigations revealed that Ms. Jidapa had been coerced into borrowing money, and prompt action, including a review of CCTV footage, led to her being located at the hotel before any money could be transferred.
Ms. Jidapa recounted receiving a call from someone claiming to be a telephone network company officer, accusing her of violating the Computer Act and being involved in gambling. This led to further intimidation by a supposed Sergeant Charan from Chiang Mai City Police Station, who demanded her parents' bank account details as part of the scam.
The gang's tactics involved forbidding Ms. Jidapa from communicating with anyone, coercing her into selling her gold to meet their demands, and instructing her to download a crypto trading app. However, the timely intervention of the police prevented the completion of the fraudulent transaction.
The young student was safely reunited with her parents at the police station, where they expressed relief and gratitude towards the officers for their efforts in rescuing her and preventing the loss of property. Her father emphasized his appreciation for the police assistance, prioritizing his daughter's safety over financial recovery.
Pol. Col. Pramote highlighted the gravity of the incident and urged the public to remain vigilant against such scams. He cautioned against any requests for money transfers over the phone, stressing that legitimate officers would not make such demands. The police continue to investigate and seek connections to prosecute those involved in the scam.
The Phetkasem Police Station encourages anyone with information on technology-related crimes to report them promptly, underscoring the importance of community vigilance in preventing such incidents.