Phuket 'investors' lose B7m in face cream scam

[webfact]

Phuket 'investors' lose B7m in face cream scam
Nattha Thepbamrung


Chonticha Jampa-Ngern (right) with a fellow victim holding a tube of 'VIP cream'.

PHUKET: -- A group of fraud victims gathered at Phuket police station today (December 11) claiming they have lost between them some B7 million.

“We were invited to join the business by a woman who was our friend and colleague [in an office in Samkong],” said Chonticha Jampa-Ngern, 32, spokesperson of the group. She named the scam artist as Netwimon, also known as Kwan, 31.

“She invited one of us in April this year to invest money to buy a face cream called VIP. She told everyone that she had already had loads of orders but lacked the funds to buy the product, so she needed people to invest.

“As we understood it, this meant we did not have to sell the product ourselves; all we had to do was invest with her.”

Ms Chonticha said Ms Netwimon explained that a tube of the cream cost B1,400 and they would get back B1,650. They could invest as much as they wanted, Netwimon added.

“At the beginning there was only VIP cream and we got paid on time. Some months later, she told everyone that we had to increase our investment because she did not have enough money to buy all the cream she needed to meet demand.

“She also introduced a new product, a diet pill, and asked for more investment from us.

“We believed her because she showed us the products and she had always paid on time, so most of us increased our investment. Some of us even borrowed money to invest with her.

“But then she disappeared.”

Ms Chonticha said that Netwimon always contacted them using the Line smartphone app or through the Facebook page she used to sell product, but she abruptly stopped replying to any messages sent to her.

“There are around 20 people who will fight to get our money back and there are others who so far have not joined us.

“Some of the investors are people from our workplace and the others are all freinds or contacts of ours.

“Everyone joined initially because we trusted her. I want to warn everyone before joining a business like this to beware of fraud, even if the one who is inviting you is your friend,” she added.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-investors-lose-b7m-in-face-cream-scam-50069.php


-- Phuket News 2014-12-12

[BigBadGeordie]

Oh please, when will they ever learn, this scam (or variations of) is even older than me.

[fatfather]

People all over the world fall for the same scheme. Dreaming to become rich quick without doing anything... Somnamna

Fatfather

[clockman]

Karma! and greed.

[schlog]

Ms Chonticha said Ms Netwimon explained that a tube of the cream cost B1,400 and they would get back B1,650. They could invest as much as they wanted....

[rasmus5150]

It seems the victim on the left has been using her own product a bit too much.

[zaphod reborn]

Don't know why women buy these products anyway. I tell my girlfriend I give her face cream, free.

[ezzra]

By lodging the complaint they're trying to save face (cream).... get it?

[Oryx816]

Don't know why women buy these products anyway. I tell my girlfriend I give her face cream, free.

What a classy gentleman!

[bob4you]

typical Ponzi scheme.

[upena]

How do you say "Ponzi" in Thai?

[KarenBravo]

How do you say "Ponzi" in Thai?

Believe it, or not, Ponzi.

Try Googling and all will be revealed.

[Nuddy]

For every 1400 Baht invested they get a return of their capital plus 250 baht. Not bad really and sounds too good to be true.

The scammer probably ran it like a ponzi scheme first time round before executing the final part of the scam by disappearing.

Keep running the ponzi part until the amount involved gets worthwhile.

Love it.

[realenglish1]

Why do I not feel sorry for these girls

[6NS]

Karma! and greed.

Not great at all,

We here on TV are always complaining of Thainess, dishonesty, and here we have young Thai people who believed they were talking to someone with morals we all wish to come across. No one deserves to come up against thieves. Before Thais can change they must begin to trust. This story is just another step backwards.

I hope they catch this wicked thief.

[moonseeker]

Greed, ignorance & arrogance. Bad combination. MS>

[empireboy]

Sadly, so learn from the 'School of hard knocks'...

[canarysun]

All these " whitening creams " make you look " hideous " get out in the sun and enjoy life ! F.J x

[metisdead]

A post containing Thai language has been removed.

[Bogan Koori]

The headline should actually read:

PHUKET LADIES LOSE FACE IN SKIN WHITENING CREAM SCAM. FAT GERIATRIC FARANG HUSBAND 'INVESTORS' OUT OF POCKET 7MILLION BAHT

That would actually be closer to the truth

Edited December 12, 2014 by Bogan Koori

[jaapfries]

They certainly got "creamed", didn't they ?

[Benmart]

I find no humour in the misfortune of others. I hope the thief is caught.

[cruisemonkey]

By lodging the complaint they're trying to save face (cream).... get it?

No. Please explain.

[stopthegreed]

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Why do I not feel sorry for these girls alt=whistling.gif>

Because they dont deserve sympathy thats why ! These women, all want to get rich without the effort of hard work. Its just greed, nothing else.

[Just1Voice]

A couple of years ago one of my wife's "friends" wanted her to join/invest in this "terrific" business opportunity. Only 10,000 baht. I told my wife to have the woman come to our house and explain everything. I had my wife and son both translating everything she said. When she was done, I told her we would think about it. As soon as she left, I told my wife: "Hell no! Don't even think about it!" 3-4 months later, the "friend" flew the coup to places unknown with few million baht, and everyone lost their asses.

Edited December 12, 2014 by Just1Voice

[krystian]

GREED

[Alan653]

Iv'e got a million bottles of sewer water that will erase the wrinkles under your eyes!

Please invest your money now before it's too late.

I feel bad for them, but come on....7million baht?

WOW!!

[scorecard]

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Don't know why women buy these products anyway. I tell my girlfriend I give her face cream, free. alt=laugh.png>

Do you need extra supplies, I'm sure some members here would gladly help.

[Bloodnut]

A fool and his money are soon parted.

Thomas Tusser

[micmichd]

Why do I not feel sorry for these girls

Because you feel scammed by Thai girls?