Crime One Click and Life is Ruined: Bank Employee Scammed Out of 3.5 Million Baht

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Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

BANGKOK – A seemingly generous offer of a free air purifier on Facebook has left one bank employee penniless and frustrated with unhelpful police. On 5th June, Dr Parames Chaiyapatcharayokpong, also known as Dr Kaeo, reported receiving a complaint from Ms Patraporn, a 45-year-old bank employee.

 

She fell victim to an online scam, losing over 3.5 million baht after believing a fraudulent Facebook page promising free air purifiers.

 

The ordeal began on 12th April when Ms Patraporn encountered a Facebook page offering air purifiers valued at 5,000 baht, with a condition to engage in promotional activities to qualify for the prize.

 

By 14th April, she was persuaded to join a LINE group with over 900 members, where 'investment opportunities' were presented as risk-free and offering guaranteed returns. Enticed by these promises, Ms Patraporn transferred sums of 200, 4,000, and 60,000 baht.

 

However, attempts to withdraw her funds were thwarted by requests for additional payments totalling 200,000–250,000 baht under the pretence of system upgrades. Although suspicious, peer pressure in the group, which falsely claimed successful withdrawals, compelled her to continue.

 

Ultimately, she realised she had been scammed after the disappearance of group members, but not before she had transferred her last sum of 821,820 baht on 17th April. Her attempt to report the scam was met with unhelpful and dismissive responses from the local police, who failed to provide adequate assistance despite her distress.

 

In a desperate move, Ms Patraporn sought assistance from Dr Kaeo to pursue justice and potentially recover her lost funds. Dr Kaeo promised to engage with law enforcement to address the case, criticising the police for their lack of initiative in aiding distressed citizens.

 

Dr Kaeo concluded with a stern warning to the public: "Do not fall for online adverts that promise freebies. No one gives away money so easily. A false promise of a free item can lead to enormous debts."

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily News 2025-06-06

 

 

[Gottfrid]

Seems to me that the banks must hire more qualified personal or educate their employees in the financial dangers of Internet.

[LespaulAN]

Some people think victim are stupid but I think scam pray on one's fear or greed. 

[lordgrinz]

Nice to know she is helping to control the safety of your account, not.