As 2025 kicks off, the crime landscape is buzzing a lot like a beehive, with the relentless hum of cybercrime and call centre scams creating quite a stir. Riding at the forefront of this battle is the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by none other than Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, who recently sat down with the Bangkok Post to shed some light on the shadowy world of online tricksters.
Between January 1 and September 30, a staggering 279,861 reports of cyber-related offenses made their way to the Thai Police Online (TPO) platform. It seems the digital thieves managed to cause financial havoc to the tune of at least 28.01 billion baht. That’s some serious baht, folks! Service scams nabbed the largest share, with a jaw-dropping 123,865 complaints, but it’s the investment scams that ran away with the most money – a colossal 10.229 billion baht!
Surprisingly, the victims often fall within the 25-45 age bracket – you know, the ones who’ve got a bit of cash to splash. But even those who’ve been around the block a few times (55 and above) aren’t safe; their limited digideftness makes them ripe targets too.
The top cop predicting the future is sticking to his guns: cybercrime will dominate the crime charts next year as well. As people get better at sidestepping call centre scams, the crooks have turned their attention to more lucrative pickings – investment scams are the latest craze.
The scammers, it seems, have an ace up their sleeves. They skillfully manipulate minds, luring the unsuspecting with promises of untold riches and projecting an image so trustworthy, the flea-bitten dog down the road would wag its tail in approval. This includes the jazz of luxury lifestyles showcased on social media, conducting charm-laden seminars, and even flashing fake awards. Celebrities? They might just be the brand ambassadors of bogus claims!
However, it’s more than just glitter that blinds the masses; digital literacy and heightened emotions play starring roles too. A hint of greed, a touch of fear, and voilà, the perfect scam cocktail is served. And let’s not forget the nail-biting time constraints that squeeze victims into rash decisions like squeezing toothpaste out of an empty tube.
Public enlightenment is the magic ingredient, or so says Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop. The CIB has joined forces with various partners, working tirelessly to spread the word through the internet grapevine via platforms like Facebook, Line, and TikTok. By sharing real-life sagas of scam victims, they’re helping folks wise up to the tricks of the trade.
Moreover, the noble CIB is rolling out seminars in schools and community centres that serve up lessons on scam-proofing techniques. They cover the basics, like checking a caller’s backstory, verifying website credibility, and ramping up safety measures in your trusty mobile banking apps.
International teamwork? It’s in the playbook. The CIB is chumming up with Chinese authorities on anti-scam raids and the rescue of those ensnared in the web of call centre scams. They’ve even clinked glasses with none other than the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), launching a knockout operation against the infamous “911 S5” malware network.
Not to mention, they’ve partnered with AIS to deliver a scam-call alert service that operates as slick as a greased weasel via *1185#. Plus, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) helps establish cyber patrol task forces. They’re fostering community networks known as Cyber Police Volunteers to rally the troops against cyber-villainy.
Yet, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop hints at the dark challenges: scam networks operating overseas are slipperier than an eel in a bucket of snot. Such networks are like phantom phantoms, floating around, committing their digital misdeeds. Despite their international intrigues, the CIB remains steadfast, concocting a concoction of counter-strategies not unlike a fine witch’s brew.
Cyber forensics is a game-changer, utilized to sift through the TPO goldmine for criminal dirt. Gadzooks! The cops are hot on the digital trail, dissecting financial transactions using intellect-enabled tech, following IP addresses, and peeking through the scammers’ communication charade.
Never ones to be out-smarted, CIB officers are buzzing around, evolving their tech skills, mastering AI and machine learning, and dabbling in program development and system analysis.
Working hand in freaky hand with mobile providers, they’re orchestrating SIM card suspensions and SIM box searches. Playing footsie with social media platforms is also on the menu, helping to dim the lights on dodgy content before hitting the legal hammer home.
The goal is clear: to take the tools of turf ruffians out of commission, whether it be SIM cards, clickable connections, or even sneaky mule bank accounts. In plain speak: stop the bad guys from being the bad guys!
As cyber battle rages on, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop offers sage advice to the masses: stay skeptical. If something seems too golden, it’s probably fool’s gold. Double-check your facts and question any investment that promises the moon. Avoid wiring money to strangers or clicking on eerie links from mobile messages. Police recommend keeping the password pot stirred, using different ones across platforms and engaging two-factor authentication for peace of mind.
If a scammer crosses your path, report it to both the police and your bank in a heartbeat to put a temporary freeze on the account in hot soup. Remember these mavericks wield psychological mojo, so don’t let them pull a fast one. Keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you, and grab a pinch of expert advice whenever unsure.
Finally, someone is taking this seriously! Cybercrime is a real menace, and it’s about time authorities focused on it.
Agreed! But can they really keep up with the scammers? These criminals are evolving faster than the police tech.
True, but at least it’s a step in the right direction. Better to try than do nothing.
Exactly, Chloe. If we don’t start somewhere, we’ll be left in the dust.
More importantly, we need better public education. People need to recognize scams when they see them.
All this talk and still no mention of how privacy is being sacrificed. What about our rights?
That’s a fair point, Larry. But without some data sharing, how can they catch the criminals?
Exactly where it gets tricky. Balance is key, but it feels like surveillance all the time now.
The bigger threat is cybercrime itself. Losing money and data is worse than some surveillance.
These efforts sound good, but do they really work? Scams keep happening despite all the ops.
Totally feel you! It’s like fighting a hydra. Cut one head and two more pop up.
Yes! And people act like cybersecurity is some silver bullet. It’s tiring!
Isn’t it crazy that people still get scammed? Like, who falls for this stuff in 2025?
You’d be surprised. My uncle got tricked. It’s easy to be the target when you’re not familiar with tech.
Guess I’m lucky then. But we gotta help others to stop this from happening.
Exactly! Tech isn’t second nature to everyone, and the scammers know it.
At least seminars and schools might equip the younger generation. But what about older folks?
True issue! Engaging community centers like they’re doing is a start but more is needed.
I wonder if partnering with international agencies really makes a difference.
It should! Scammers operate globally, so international cooperation is essential.
Hope you’re right. We need more than just hope and speeches.
Or it’s just a PR stunt unless we see actual results.
Interesting that investment scams are rising. Do people really believe all those shady promises?
Unfortunately, yes. Greed and desperation can cloud judgment quickly.
People act like only big cities face these scams. But they hit hard in rural regions too.
You’re so right. Connectivity has increased everywhere, but not the know-how to deal with threats.
The real problem is lack of quick response when issues are reported. Often it’s too slow.
It’s that bureaucracy. Faster systems should be in place by now.
Not sure how effective SIM suspensions are? Won’t they just find another way?
It definitely makes it tougher for them. Every roadblock slows them down, even if a bit.
I’m impressed with how much the police are using AI. Makes me hopeful for the future.
Education is key. More awareness means fewer victims!
The scams seem more sophisticated. How can average folks keep up?
It’s like playing a never-ending cat and mouse game. We can’t predict but only prepare.