With technological advancements playing a lead role in our lives, even the darker side of society has started to make use of it. In Thailand recently, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has warned about a new breed of cyber fraud involving Android smartphones. In particular, users have been tricked into believing that they’re simply updating their ThaID app. However, they are unwittingly enabling scammers to take over their mobile devices to pilfer their funds.
Suspicious activity of this nature was first reported to the CCIB by the Department of Provincial Administration (DPA), who have been receiving numerous complaints. The department’s spokesperson, Pol Col Kissana Phathanacharoen, confirmed these claims. According to him, the DPA is aware of the issue, as the scammers have designed their scheme to mimic the ThaID initiative, a mobile application originally developed for Thai citizens as a digital alternative for their physical ID cards.
Akin to the premise of classic fraud scenarios, it appears that the victims of this cyber scam are initially contacted via SMS messages containing a link, which, when followed, supposedly connects the user to an official ThaID Line account. The unsuspecting individuals are convinced they’re interacting with a legitimate DPA representative, stated Pol Col Kissana.
As the conversation progresses, the fraudsters cleverly manipulate the victims into revealing sensitive personal details, including six-digit passcodes for their internet banking applications. In addition, they are instructed to download an APK (Android Package) file, which when implemented, enables remote control of their devices, continued Kissana. This newfound access grants the cybercriminals the ability to unauthorizedly shift funds to their desired bank accounts.
Modern scammers are incredible adapters, continually evolving their techniques to outwit unsuspecting individuals, Kissana expressed concern. In recent times, they have misrepresented themselves as representatives from governmental agencies and corporations. Victims have reported cases implicating departments such as the Revenue Department, Department of Special Investigation, Department of Lands, Provincial Electricity Authority, Provincial Waterworks Authority, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Life Insurance.
The CCIB, in the interest of public security, is instructing people against clicking on any links received via SMS. They have underlined this with the assertion that the DPA has no ‘Line Official Account’ and does not endorse a policy of sending SMS messages to individuals. Their advice stems from strong efforts to curtail the rising tide of such malicious activities and protect every citizen’s financial security.
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