Thailand Strikes Back: Online Scam Losses Plunge ฿195M+

The Royal Thai Police‘s Anti-Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC) has released its latest weekly update showing a clear drop in online scam activity and losses. From 23–29 November, 6,533 cases were lodged via the Thai Police Online platform, with reported losses totalling 424.78 million baht. That’s 392 fewer cases than the week before and a reduction of 195.75 million baht in damages. Overall, reported losses fell by 31.40%, a sign that enforcement efforts and ongoing public awareness campaigns are having an impact.

Thai authorities caution, however, that the recent clampdowns are pushing syndicates to regroup and move. A major raid on the Shwe Kokko scam hub in Myanmar—where between 900 and 1,700 foreign suspects were detained—has triggered what police describe as “the great displacement,” with networks relocating and looking for new openings. At the same time, Thailands crackdown on mule accounts is making it harder for scammers to move money, adding further pressure on these groups to change tactics.

One worrying trend is the exploitation of real-world crises. With the southern provinces battling floods, scammers are reportedly using fake base stations to blast out bogus emergency alerts and compensation messages. Disinformation campaigns are also targeting anxious residents, preying on those seeking quick help or updates. Malaysia is seeing similar tactics: fraudulent SMS and WhatsApp messages impersonating government agencies, plus fake Facebook pages soliciting “emergency” donations and urging immediate transfers without verification.

For Malaysians, the takeaway is straightforward: stay sceptical of offers or alerts that seem urgent, lucrative, or too convenient. Before putting money into any online investment, check whether the platform is licensed and regulated. Tools like the WikiFX mobile app (on Google Play and the App Store) allow users to search brokers, verify regulatory status, read reviews, and assess safety ratings—useful steps to avoid unlicensed platforms and understand the risks before you commit funds.

As always, if an opportunity looks effortless or promises outsized returns, treat it as a red flag. Online scams evolve quickly, but a little due diligence goes a long way in keeping your money safe.