The Royal Thai Police warn citizens to watch for suspicious groups of foreigners living together, constant foreign-language phone calls, blackout curtains during the day, and multiple communication devices—potential signs of call center scam operations. Residents are urged to report tips immediately via 191 or 1599.
BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Police have outlined four key behaviors of foreign call center scam gangs operating covertly in Thailand and urged the public to report any suspicious activity immediately.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Siriwat Deepho, Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, said National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet is deeply concerned about the growing threat of technology-driven crimes, particularly call center scams. These gangs often trick victims into transferring money or revealing personal information by posing as government or other official representatives. Some groups have reportedly established “operational bases” inside residential areas—such as condominiums, housing estates, or rental homes—to evade detection while using phones and social media to target both domestic and international victims.
The National Police have identified four suspicious behaviors that may indicate the presence of a call center scam base:
- Groups of foreign nationals living together with unclear employment – Typically 3–6 people renting short-term accommodations, keeping to themselves, and coming and going at irregular hours, potentially working together to run scams from inside the property.
- Constant foreign-language phone conversations – Repeated scripts or coordinated calls heard almost continuously during the day, indicating scam operations in progress.
- Blackout curtains and unusual lighting patterns – Curtains remain closed during the day and lights are kept on overnight to match the time zone of the scam victims, while concealing operations from neighbors.
- Excessive communication equipment – Rooms may have multiple power strips, computers, phones, routers, and other devices, with frequent activity from people moving equipment in and out.
The police stressed that these behaviors should not be ignored, as they may signal a scam call center hiding close to residential areas. Citizens who notice such suspicious activities are encouraged to report them immediately to authorities via the hotline numbers 191 or 1599, available 24 hours a day.
The Royal Thai Police have pledged to conduct thorough investigations and dismantle all such operations, aiming to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of both Thai residents and tourists. (TNA)
