Police Warn Pensioners of App Scam Targeting Retirees

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

The national police have issued a warning to retired civil servants and elderly people after a surge in online scams in December 2025, with victims losing sums ranging from tens of thousands of baht to nearly one million baht per case. The scams involve criminals impersonating officials and tricking victims into installing malicious applications that allow remote control of their mobile phones, leading to unauthorised bank transfers.

The warning was issued by Pol Lt Gen Yingyot Thepjamnong, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police and police spokesperson. He said the police chief, Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet, had ordered proactive crackdowns on all forms of online fraud, including disrupting financial routes, locations and networks, while strengthening public awareness to prevent cybercrime.

According to data collected by the Anti Cyber Scam Center (ACSC) under the Royal Thai Police, the situation is particularly worrying among pensioners and senior citizens. In December alone, a significant number of retirees aged 60 to 74 reported being deceived into transferring money, highlighting the group’s vulnerability due to savings holdings and limited familiarity with modern technology.

Pol Lt Gen Yingyot explained that criminals often begin by accessing leaked personal data of retired civil servants, including full names and former government departments. This information is used to build credibility when first contacting victims, usually by phone, while posing as officials from agencies linked to post-retirement benefits.

The scammers commonly claim to represent organisations such as the Comptroller General’s Department, the Office of the Welfare Promotion Commission for Teachers and Educational Personnel, teachers’ savings cooperatives, or funeral welfare funds. They use excuses such as updating personal details, claiming pension payments, gratuities or funeral benefits to gain trust.

Once victims are convinced, they are persuaded to add the scammer as a contact on LINE and continue the conversation there. Victims are then sent a link to download a fake application claimed to belong to a government agency, which is in fact malware designed to remotely control the phone.

A key tactic involves instructing victims to change their banking app language to English before transferring money. This makes menus and notifications unfamiliar to many elderly users, increasing the likelihood of unintentional transactions without realising funds are being transferred.

Police data for December 2025 show individual losses ranging from tens of thousands of baht to almost one million baht. The Royal Thai Police urged pensioners and elderly people to remain vigilant, stressing that government agencies do not ask citizens to install apps, click links, or change banking app languages to receive benefits.

Matichon reported that the police advised anyone who suspects fraud to hang up immediately and verify information directly using official contact numbers. Victims or those seeking advice can contact the anti-scam hotline on 1441 or emergency services on 191, available 24 hours a day.

Key Takeaways

• Police say scammers are targeting retired civil servants and elderly people using leaked personal data and fake official identities.

• Victims are tricked into installing malicious apps that allow criminals to remotely control phones and drain bank accounts.

• Losses reported in December 2025 range from tens of thousands of baht to nearly one million baht per victim.

 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-25