Police Warn of Restaurant Scam: Fake Customers Demand Refunds for Incorrect Food Deliveries

[webfact]

 

On June 14th, Pol. Lt. Col. Kitiphon Phatanachan, spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, issued a warning to the public regarding a recent rise in fraudulent activities involving individuals posing as restaurant customers. These scammers have been making phone calls to restaurants, claiming that they received incorrect or misrepresented food deliveries and demanding refunds.

 

Food delivery services have become increasingly popular among consumers due to their convenience and speed. Whether ordering through service-providing applications, websites, or various online platforms, customers have embraced this trend. However, some unscrupulous individuals have seized the opportunity to deceive and defraud unsuspecting restaurant owners, reported Siam Rath.

 

Reports have revealed several cases where restaurant owners received phone calls from fraudulent individuals posing as customers. These scammers claimed to have placed orders online but received incorrect or substituted items. For example, they might order beef but receive pork instead, causing financial losses to the victims.

 

As a result, the affected restaurant owners were asked to transfer refunds of varying amounts. Some owners, without proper verification, mistakenly transferred small amounts of money, considering it insignificant. However, upon further investigation, they discovered that there were no records of customers who had placed orders during the specified time or at the stated prices. When owners attempted to confirm the legitimacy of the claims, the scammers disappeared.

 

This type of fraud, which resembles impersonation for financial gain, can carry a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both, under the Criminal Code Sections 342 (cheating by personation) and 348 (computer-related fraud). The law also penalizes the intentional distortion, fabrication, or use of false computer data that causes harm to the public under the Computer Crimes Act, Section 14(1).

 

The Thai government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha and the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has emphasized the importance of preventing and combating various forms of online fraud. The National Police Office, responsible for prevention and suppression, has prioritized awareness campaigns to protect the public from falling victim to scams.

 

 

In light of recent incidents, the Royal Thai Police provided the following guidelines to prevent falling prey to such scams:

 

1. When receiving phone calls of this nature, restaurant owners and managers should gather detailed information related to the order, such as the customer's name, the items ordered, date and time of the order, price, and order number.

2. It is crucial to carefully verify the received information and confirm the authenticity of the customer's order.

3. If a refund is necessary, cross-check the provided bank account details and verify the account holder's name through general online searches to ensure its credibility.

4. In cases where the caller claims to be a friend or acquaintance, request further confirmation by initiating a video call to clearly see the person's face.

5. If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme and have already transferred money, immediately contact your financial institution or bank to freeze the scammer's account.

It is essential for both restaurant owners and customers to exercise caution and remain vigilant when conducting any financial transactions, staying informed about the latest scam tactics employed by fraudsters.

 

Top picture: File photo for reference only

 

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[Jingthing]

This makes no sense.

When there are errors in orders you complain to the delivery company. 

The delivery company calls the restaurant for their side of the story and then if a decision is made to refund it comes from the delivery company.

Edited June 14, 2023 by Jingthing

[ThailandRyan]

7 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

This makes no sense.

When there are errors in orders you complain to the delivery company. 

The delivery company calls the restaurant for their side of the story and then if a decision is made to refund it comes from the delivery company.

I have called the restaurant myself many times when my orders were not correct not the delivery company.  The rider picks up the order which has your name on it.  They then double check the name when they deliver it, and many take a photo as proof they delivered it to you, at least in BKK they do.  Many times the restaurant realizes they put the wrong item in a wrong bag, remake the order and send it out to us.  So it makes perfect sense.

[chalawaan]

How much effort would it take to set this one up for a payout of a few hunnert per scam, give or take? 

 

These criminal masterminds will be retiring to Monte Carlo in no time!

[petermik]

Scams here....I find it hard to believe

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, ThailandRyan said:

I have called the restaurant myself many times when my orders were not correct not the delivery company.  The rider picks up the order which has your name on it.  They then double check the name when they deliver it, and many take a photo as proof they delivered it to you, at least in BKK they do.  Many times the restaurant realizes they put the wrong item in a wrong bag, remake the order and send it out to us.  So it makes perfect sense.

Interesting.

I stand corrected.

It would never occur to me to call the restaurant when using a delivery service.

As far as I'm concerned I'm doing business with the delivery service. 

I order through them and pay through them.

I only complain when there is a real problem that I can document so.I get satisfaction when I do. From the delivery companies.

[Liverpool Lou]

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

This makes no sense.

When there are errors in orders you complain to the delivery company. 

The delivery company calls the restaurant for their side of the story and then if a decision is made to refund it comes from the delivery company.

Many restaurants accept orders direct from the customer without ordering via a delivery service.

[khunjeff]

How many restaurant owners would really just send out money without even confirming that the order had really been placed? ????

[rwill]

Another thing when a restaurant uses a delivery service such as grab, food panda, etc.  they don't get paid right then.  So it would not be like the restaurant is returning money they already received.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

However, upon further investigation, they discovered that there were no records of customers who had placed orders during the specified time or at the stated prices. When owners attempted to confirm the legitimacy of the claims, the scammers disappeared.

Confirm the order with the rider before any refunds, simple.

[thenewgoo]

If the refunds are going into a bank account, surely the culprits would be easy to track down? It's the 'insignificant' amounts involved that make it easier for police to issue a warning to restaurants rather than investigate further.