Wanted: Phuket Scam Artists Impersonating Governor

[webfact]

Wanted: Phuket scam artists impersonating Governor

The swindlers have invoked the ire of Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha.

PHUKET: -- Police are hunting for a group of scam artists wanted for impersonating the Phuket governor to solicit donations for an imaginary provincial development campaign.

In a meeting yesterday afternoon, Gov Tri Augkaradacha warned people not to fall victim to the scam.

The scammers have been calling both government offices and private businesses asking for donations, typically from 30,000 to 40,000 baht.

The funds are purportedly needed for a provincial sports development program.

Among the mobile phone numbers used by the group were 083-964 4413 and 086-170 0012, he said.

He also gave the account number of two Kasikorn Bank accounts set up in Bangkok to accept the swindled funds.

As part of their pitch, the scammers make reference to Football Association of Thailand president Worawee Magudee to gain more trust, Gov Tri said.

Gov Tri said he was very angry that people were using his good name to defraud people.

Among the victims was his own son-in-law, who transferred about 60,000 baht to the con artists, he said.

Phuket City Police Superintendent Wanchi Ekpornpit is leading the investigation, he said.

-- Phuket Gazette 2011-01-06