I need help and suggestions what to do next

[Puppa]

I am new of the forum and so thank you for this great place to discuss about Thailand.

I know: I am stupid.

I sent 5000 THB via western union for book a place in Phuket. Arrived noone at the airport and the contact on whatsapp blocked me.

I have name, surname, address and WhatsApp phone number.

There is nothing I can do? Police, online antifraud, something like that? I arrived yesterday and be there three months. Thank you.

[novacova]

5 minutes ago, Puppa said:

sent 5000 THB via western union for book a place in Phuket.

I’m sorry to say that this was a mistake on your part. Next time book accommodation from a reputable website using a credit card. 

[Yellowtail]

People that are stupid don't know it. 

 

Not enough information for me to suggest what I would do, but how much time and effort is being cheated (if that is actually the case) out of 5K worth?

 

 

 

 

[steven100]

Put it down to an expensive lesson learnt .....    don't trust anyone or any online in Thailand.

If you do make double sure it's legit before sending money.   

[Puppa]

4 minutes ago, novacova said:

I’m sorry to say that this was a mistake on your part. Next time book accommodation from a reputable website using a credit card. 

Do you think having the information, police will don't do nothing?

[Puppa]

5 minutes ago, novacova said:

I’m sorry to say that this was a mistake on your part. Next time book accommodation from a reputable website using a credit card. 

Do you think having the information, police will don't do nothing?

[steven100]

4 minutes ago, Puppa said:

Do you think having the information, police will don't do nothing?

that's the smartest thing you've said so far ..... 

[PJ71]

8 minutes ago, steven100 said:

don't trust anyone or any online in Thailand.

So go about your business in thailand without using the internet, really?

 

Good luck with that.

[steven100]

5 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

So go about your business in thailand without using the internet, really?

 

Good luck with that.

you obviously didn't read the part where I said ' make sure it's legit '  

[Olmate]

Tourist Police worth a try and Phuket News, bad thai image etcetc! 

[Puppa]

9 minutes ago, steven100 said:

that's the smartest thing you've said so far ..... 

So do you think I can go at any police station and fill a complaint?. I think WU has the guy passport number. So they can track him back, even lock his bank account till he doesn't pay me back.

Edited December 11, 2023 by Puppa

[steven100]

17 minutes ago, Puppa said:

So do you think I can go at any police station and fill a complaint?. I think WU has the guy passport number. So they can track him back, even lock his bank account till he doesn't pay me back.

 

Your obviously new to Thailand.   

You go to the police station and waste 1-2 hours there filing a report etc .... 

What do you think the police will do with your report as they know good and well there's zero baht in it for them.?

Your report will be filed along with the other 150,000 reports of scammers in Thailand. 

 

sure WU have the guys passport number etc , possible a legit one, possibly a stolen one, who knows,   WU are not responsible for your stupidity and loss through sending cash on their platform. 

 

move on and put down to a bad experience ....   

 

 

 

Edited December 11, 2023 by steven100

[StayinThailand2much]

30 minutes ago, Puppa said:

Do you think having the information, police will don't do nothing?

 

The (regular) police will do nothing. With proof and records one could file a complaint with the Tourist Police. 

[novacova]

36 minutes ago, Puppa said:

Do you think having the information, police will don't do nothing?

Most likely not, whoever has your money is probably in another country. 

[UWEB]

21 minutes ago, Puppa said:

So do you think I can go at any police station and fill a complaint?. I think WU has the guy passport number. So they can track him back, even lock his bank account till he doesn't pay me back.

Contact Tourist Police, not the normal ones. The chance to get some help is much more bigger, and at least they can inform the public not to use the same scammer.

[Puppa]

7 minutes ago, UWEB said:

Contact Tourist Police, not the normal ones. The chance to get some help is much more bigger, and at least they can inform the public not to use the same scammer.

That's a great suggestion. Thank you. Do you think any chance to get the amount back? Even if no bank is involved, you think they can lock the account till I get the money back? Thank you

[Puppa]

15 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

The (regular) police will do nothing. With proof and records one could file a complaint with the Tourist Police. 

This is a great suggestion. Thank you

[Puppa]

9 minutes ago, novacova said:

Most likely not, whoever has your money is probably in another country. 

But if he is still here. WU has passport number. They can track him down, maybe lock the bank account till get my money back.

[cdemundo]

1 hour ago, Puppa said:

I am new of the forum and so thank you for this great place to discuss about Thailand.

I know: I am stupid.

I sent 5000 THB via western union for book a place in Phuket. Arrived noone at the airport and the contact on whatsapp blocked me.

I have name, surname, address and WhatsApp phone number.

There is nothing I can do? Police, online antifraud, something like that? I arrived yesterday and be there three months. Thank you.

I don't think this was stupid, if you sent more money to the same guy that would be stupid.

Experience is a teacher, lessons can be expensive.

 

Look for someone who has references, how did you find this person?

Usually can find recommendations on a Thailand forum like this one for reputable businesses.

 

For the future and for others, one approach is reserve inexpensive hotel or guest house for a few days and look for a rental once you are here.

I have had good luck with AirBnb but that seems to have changed recently.

I know, too late with this advice.

 

It's worth a try to get your money back somehow but don't set your expectations too high.

 

Don't let this spoil your visit.

It happens, it happened, move forward and enjoy Thailand.

[Celsius]

1 hour ago, Puppa said:

Do you think having the information, police will don't do nothing?

 

Maybe in Bangkok or even Pattaya.

 

Fuket not a chance.

Edited December 11, 2023 by Celsius

[JimTripper]

I would just show up at the address you have. Could have been a phone issue. Don't say who you are right away, just hang around and feel out if it was a mistake or not.

Edited December 11, 2023 by JimTripper

[richard_smith237]

7 minutes ago, JimTripper said:

I would just show up at the address you have. Could have been a phone issue.

 

First step: there is this....    But, also, your post is thin on information.

 

Do you have the full address of the 'place' you booked ?

Do you have any alternative means of contact of the person you booked from ?

Is the other Party a Thai or a Foreigner ?

Have you tried contacting them from a different number / account (to check if it is you who is blocked). 

Could you try contacting from a different 'number / e-mail' and make a dummy booking ?

 

And yes - IF you have been scammed, definitely go to the Tourist Police and Report all the details: \

Their name / Contact numbers / Passport numbers etc - make sure they file a full police report in the system. 

 

Others, such as Stephen100 may tell you that you are wasting your Time... but what these 'lazy' people don't realise is that the path has been laid for them by those who have gone before - If scams weren't reported, there would be a signifciantly greater number around than there are now. 

 

So the why bother approach doesn't help anyone.

 

 

[Nemises]

Only ever pay for stuff on the internet with a credit card.  Doing so ensures your money back if the advertised goods or services are not provided. 

[jaywalker2]

Contact the tourist police. They should be able to direct you as to what you should do.

[CanadaSam]

First, find out if the facebook page is still up and running.

 

Then, head to the nearest Tourist Police, and inform them this is online fraud, and they should request help from the online fraud department.

 

Also, ask them if they will help you file a written complaint, either there or at a regular police station.

 

Wait a few days, if no reply, go to the media, all news outlets.

 

Good Luck, but if you do the above, I think you will get your money back.

[Captain Monday]

1 hour ago, PJ71 said:

So go about your business in thailand without using the internet, really?

 

Good luck with that.

You dont send money to people by Western Union unless you know them.

Hotels are booked on websites like Marriott with a credit card.

WU well known for scam may be crims sat up in a room near anywhere in the world.

The money is gone.

[brianthainess]

2 hours ago, Puppa said:

I am new of the forum and so thank you for this great place to discuss about Thailand.

I know: I am stupid.

I sent 5000 THB via western union for book a place in Phuket. Arrived noone at the airport and the contact on whatsapp blocked me.

I have name, surname, address and WhatsApp phone number.

There is nothing I can do? Police, online antifraud, something like that? I arrived yesterday and be there three months. Thank you.

I can only suggest you contact the tourist police on 1155. They do speak English. So as asked have you got the hotels name even? go there if you have and phone the Tourist police from there.

Edited December 11, 2023 by brianthainess

[steven100]

17 minutes ago, CanadaSam said:

but if you do the above, I think you will get your money back.

 

This has got to be the funniest comment I have read in a long time ..... 

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, Puppa said:

Do you think having the information, police will don't do nothing?

 

This is an unknown - They lazy people will just assume the police will do nothing as that allows them to make dismissive wiseA$$ remarks... 

These people have never had any exposure to the Police in similar situations and just make comments based on their bigotry. 

 

The reality is different and the Police may well deal with this issue.

The Police could be lazy and disinterested, or they may understand your anger at being scammed and they may well want the details and to investigate - its something you'll never know until you try.

 

Question: IF the 'owner' or person you sent money to a Thai or a foreigner ?

 

The reason I ask: Is that IF its a foreigner they may be 'working' without a permit and that is something immigration may look upon seriously. 

Alternatively, if its a Thai, who is scamming foreigners, this may be something the regular police look upon seriosly, especially if you sell the 'giving Thailand a bad name' approach.

 

You'll never find how how this could be resolved if you don't try. 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

6 minutes ago, steven100 said:

 

This has got to be the funniest comment I have read in a long time ..... 

 

Op - ignore this...  He's clearly making his remarks based on bigotry - he rarely makes a positive comment about Thai's or Thailand 

Edited December 11, 2023 by richard_smith237