WITH SCAMS spreading an opinion poll conducted this month shows that 40.1% of Bangkok residents are now apprehensive and hesitant to answer calls from unknown numbers with the most common form of fraud being impersonating a government agency, Naewna newspaper said today (Jan. 19).
The Ban Somdej Poll Centre at Ban Somdej Chaopraya Rajabhat University questioned 1,121 Bangkok residents during January 6-9 with the result showing that over the past three months 35.1% received phone calls or messages (SMS/Line) from scammers/call centre gangs once or twice a month, 23.6% two to three times a week, 10.9% three to four times a month, 10.7% daily or never and 9% four to six times a week.
The majority of respondents, 62.4%, have had personal or family experience with call centre fraudsters. This is followed by those who nearly fell victim, 30.4%, and finally, those who had lost property 7.2%.
The most common types of scams were impersonating a government agency, 58.9%; impersonating a shipping/postal company, 51.1%; investment/stock/crypto trading scams, 41.7%; romance scams, 40.5%; tricking people into installing money-draining apps, 40.1%; using AI to mimic voices/faces of acquaintances, 38.6%; and finally online loan/credit scams totaling 37.6%.
Call centre frauds significantly impacted daily life with 40.1% of the respondents now fearful and reluctant to answer unknown calls. While 27.8% said they were unaffected, 18.5% experienced mental health issues/stress from threats or harassment and 13.6% now hesitate to conduct online transactions/mobile banking.
The majority of respondents were satisfied with the government’s efforts to crack down on scammers. Currently, the level of concern is moderate at 40.6%.
The survey shows that the most urgent action the new government should take are: firstly, increasing legal penalties, 36.7%; secondly, developing an AI system to detect and automatically cut off scam calls, 30.3%; thirdly, negotiating with neighbouring countries to suppress cross-border operations, 20.6%; and finally, forcing mobile phone companies/banks to take responsibility for refunding victims, 12.4%.
Assistant Professor Dr. Sing Singkhachorn, chairman of the Ban Somdej Poll Centre, said the survey results highlight the significant impact of call centre scams on Thailand.
While the government continues to crack down on cybercriminals, they in turn have adapted by intensifying their scam tactics to keep pace with technological advancements and expanding their operations to evade arrest.
Currently, the methods used by these scammers include using AI or “advanced deepfakes,” to trick victims into making video calls or sending facial data. This data is then used to create fake animations to unlock biometric banking apps.
Traditional scams that exploit fear are also widely used, but with more believable and frightening scenarios employed, such as impersonating government officials to deceive about tax matters. The impact of cybercrime is not limited to financial loss, it has created a state of “paranoia” in Thai society, he said.
People hesitate to answer calls from unknown numbers and even distrust real government officials, disrupting business communication and important tasks.
Furthermore, this problem has contributed to families breaking down due to conflict and blame, especially when the head of the family or an elderly person loses their life savings, leading to domestic violence.
CAPTIONS:
Above – A scamming graphic image by Didier Petit from Pixabay
Insert – Dr. Sing Singkhachorn. Photo – MCOT
Front Page – A graphic image of a scammer. Credit – Thai Rath
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