In a bid to protect citizens from online deception, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has released an online guide that highlights the importance of recognizing URLs that mimic government agencies. This crucial advisory comes as internet fraudsters increasingly employ sophisticated schemes to dupe unsuspecting individuals.
Police Major General Siriwat Deepor, the deputy spokesperson for the RTP, issued a stark warning on Sunday, emphasizing the need for vigilance when browsing online. He pointed out that there has been a noticeable rise in the use of fraudulent web addresses featuring the “.go.th” domain extension, a format traditionally utilized by authentic government agencies. This ploy aims to deceive users into believing these sites are legitimate.
Elaborating on the deceptive tactics used, Pol Maj Gen Siriwat explained that scammers strategically place the “.go.th” domain extension in the path section of a URL to mislead inattentive internet users. He cited the example of https://dif.link/www.ccid1.ccib.go.th, a counterfeit government site that authorities have since removed.
To equip the public with the necessary skills to distinguish between genuine and fake websites, the RTP has introduced a comprehensive guide titled “How to Verify Web Domains”. According to this guide, a legitimate government website such as https://www.royalthaipolice.go.th will feature the “.go.th” part immediately after “https://” and before any forward slash (“/”) if it is present. Additionally, if the URL begins with “www”, it is crucial to ensure that there is no forward slash before the “.go.th” domain extension.
Pol Maj Gen Siriwat also mentioned the collaboration between RTP and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), aimed at obtaining court orders to shut down false websites and holding the perpetrators accountable. The synergy between these institutions is pivotal in the fight against digital fraud.
Citizens who fall victim to cybercrimes are encouraged to take immediate action. They can file online complaints via www.thaipoliceonline.go.th or reach out to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB)’s 24-hour hotline at 1441. This accessible platform ensures that assistance is always within reach, reinforcing the RTP’s commitment to safeguarding the digital well-being of the public.
As we navigate an increasingly digital world, the RTP’s proactive measures and clear guidelines serve as a vital reminder to stay alert and informed. By sticking to these recommendations, internet users can better protect themselves from the ever-evolving landscape of online scams.
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