A Bangkok friend called me in a panic after a “police officer” accused her of money laundering. The caller knew her ID number, spoke polished Thai, and pushed her to pay a fee to clear her name. It sounded official, until she paused, hung up, and called the real station. No case existed.
That story is common. Call center scams in Thailand target locals and travelers. Cheap internet calling, leaked data, and cross-border gangs make Thai phone scams grow fast. The scripts shift, but the aim is the same: get your trust, then your money.
In this article you will learn the latest tricks like deepfake video, OTP grabs, and PromptPay misuse, plus simple steps to protect your cash and your phone.
How Call Center Scams in Thailand Work in 2025
- Fake police or prosecutor: The caller claims you are tied to money laundering. They give a case number, threaten arrest, and request “verification transfers.” They ask for ID photos, a video selfie, and your OTP. This is the classic fake police scam.
- Parcel tax scam: You get a call about a seized package or Thai Customs fee. They say it contains illegal items or unpaid duty. To “settle,” you must pay quickly via PromptPay or transfer to a named account.
- Bank account freeze or upgrade: A “bank officer” warns of fraud and urges you to move funds to a “safe account.” They might push a link for an app update that is really an Android APK.
- Job or review scam: You get small tasks with small payouts. Then they ask for bigger deposits to unlock higher commissions. The money vanishes.
- Romance or pig butchering: A relationship starts on a dating app or social media. It moves to LINE or WhatsApp, then shifts into crypto “investment” advice. The wallet shows fake profits until a big withdrawal fee traps you.
In many cases they switch the chat to LINE or WhatsApp, ask for ID photos, and push for OTPs or remote control of your phone.
How they sound real: spoofed numbers, documents, and video
Scammers can spoof caller ID so it looks like a local Thai number or even your bank. They speak Thai or English, depending on your profile. They send badges, court letters, or case files that look right at a glance. Some now place deepfake video calls with a uniformed “officer.”
They keep you on the line, tell you not to share the “investigation,” and warn you not to talk to your bank. The goal is simple. Isolate you, raise the pressure, and push you to act before you think.
Where the money goes: PromptPay, mules, and crypto
Most payments start with PromptPay or a local transfer. Funds jump through money mule accounts within minutes, sometimes split into smaller amounts. The runners cash out at ATMs or convert the money to USDT or other crypto on exchanges.
You might be told to split payments into two or three transfers “for verification.” Do not do it. Opening or lending your bank account to others is illegal and risky. Mule accounts get frozen, and you could face charges.
New tricks in 2025 to watch for
- QR codes to “verify identity” that actually link to phishing sites.
- Fake bank updates sent as Android APKs that hijack your phone.
- Requests to install remote tools like AnyDesk or to screen-share.
- Late-night or weekend calls when hotline support is slow.
Real banks and police do not ask for OTPs, remote access, or app installs from links. If they do, it is a scam.
How to Spot Thai Call Center Scams and Protect Your Money
- Urgent threats, secret cases, or pressure to keep the call private.
- Payment requests via PromptPay, crypto, or a “safe account.”
- A push to move the chat to LINE or WhatsApp only.
- Links to install an app or update outside the app store.
- Requests for an OTP or your card PIN.
- Caller ID that shows Thai Police, Thai Post, or your bank. Caller ID can be spoofed.
If a call feels off, pause and verify. Take a breath, then check independently.
Phone and app settings that block scams
- Turn on spam call filters on your phone and through your carrier.
- Silence unknown callers in your phone settings.
- Disable sideloading on Android, and keep iOS and Android updated.
- Use biometric login for banking.
- Turn on push alerts for every bank transaction.
- Use a password manager and unique PINs for SIM, phone, and apps.
Small settings add a big wall. You reduce risk without changing your routine.
Bank habits that limit losses in Thailand
- Set low daily transfer limits and raise them only when needed.
- Keep a small-balance spending account for daily use.
- Use payee whitelists where your bank offers them.
- Lock cards in the app when not in use.
- Before a PromptPay transfer, confirm the recipient’s name matches.
- Never share an OTP with anyone.
If you slip, these habits can cap the damage.
Verify the right way, every time
Hang up and call back using numbers from the official website or your bank app. For police or government claims, call 1441 for CCIB or 191 for emergencies. For Thai Post or couriers, check tracking on the official site, not on a link in a text.
Verification is a two-step process. End the current contact, then start a new one using a trusted source.
What To Do If You Get a Scam Call or Already Paid
Say this: “I will call back using the official number.” Then hang up. Do not argue. Do not share your ID, passwords, or One Time Password (OTP). Do not send money. Do not install any app or share your screen.
If you clicked a link or installed an app
Disconnect from the internet. Remove the suspicious app. Run a security scan from a trusted antivirus app. Change passwords for your bank, email, and any app tied to your money. Revoke app permissions on your phone.
If you use Android and see unknown device admin, accessibility, or screen overlay permissions that you did not turn on, back up your phone and do a factory reset. Then restore only known apps from Google Play.
If you sent money: act fast within hours
Call your bank at once and request a freeze on the transfer. Ask the bank about steps under current Thai anti-scam measures to block onward transfers. Do not wait.
File a report at thaipoliceonline.com or call 1441 for CCIB. Save everything, including receipts, account numbers, chat logs, and caller numbers. If you used crypto, contact the exchange and share the transaction ID. Quick reporting raises the chance of a hold.
Time is the difference between a freeze and a loss.
Who to contact and how to report in Thailand
- Thailand’s Anti-Online Scam Operation Center (AOC), part of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) hotline: 1441 for online scams
- Royal Thai Police: 191 for urgent threats
- Tourist Police: 1155 for help in English
- Your bank’s fraud hotline in the app or on the official site
Report scam accounts on LINE or WhatsApp. If you are a foreigner, contact your embassy for guidance. Keep your case number and share updates with your bank.
Summary
The pattern is simple. Pause, verify, and never share an OTP or install apps from links. Use call filters, set tight bank limits, and keep your devices updated. Save 1441, 191, and 1155 in your phone, and share this guide with friends and family in Thailand. If something feels off, hang up and verify with a trusted number. Your calm response is your best defense.