Bangkok: Police have issued a warning to the public about a scam targeting flood victims, urging individuals to verify information before making donations.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siriwat Deepo, deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, shared that Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, the national police chief, has expressed concern over recent activities by individuals exploiting the current flooding situation in Songkhla Province and other southern regions. These individuals have been spreading false information to incite panic and deceive people into donating money under false pretenses.
The Royal Thai Police emphasized the importance of vigilance against such scams, advising the public to:
1. Avoid sharing unverified information that could cause panic. It's crucial to confirm the source of images and information before forwarding them, as distributing outdated or manipulated flood images or false water level data can lead to public confusion and panic. This action is punishable under the Computer Crimes Act, Section 14(2), with potential penalties of up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to 100,000 baht.
2. Be cautious of social media donation requests. Scammers often solicit donations using images of disaster victims and impersonate their bank account numbers or create fake accounts, claiming to be aid volunteers or directly affected individuals.
3. Verify the account before transferring donations. Ensure donations are directed to reputable organizations, such as government agencies, registered charities, or foundations. Legitimate donation accounts should be in the name of a legal entity rather than an individual to minimize fraud risk.
4. Understand the consequences for fraudsters. Those falsely soliciting donations face charges under Section 343 of the Criminal Code, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison or a 100,000 baht fine, along with offenses under Section 14 of the Computer Crimes Act for inputting false information fraudulently.
Individuals encountering fake news or scams related to donation requests are urged to report them via the hotlines 191 or 1599. Victims of donation scams can file reports online at www.thaipoliceonline.go.th or contact the Online Crime Operations Center (AOC) hotline at 1441, which operates 24/7.