Bangkok: Cyber police have issued a warning about a fraudulent application called the Digital Pension app, which has been deceiving senior citizens and retired civil servants, leading to significant financial losses. The app, falsely presented as a service from the Department of the Comptroller General's Department, was found on a counterfeit version of the Play Store.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwpaen, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), along with other officials, announced that the scheme primarily targeted elderly individuals. Victims received phone calls purportedly from the Comptroller General's Department, claiming the need to update pension information for an increase in benefits. Upon clicking a provided link, victims were redirected to a website mimicking the Google Play Store, where they were deceived into installing the fake Digital Pension app. This app facilitated identity theft and resulted in significant monetary losses for the victims.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution against these fraudulent tactics, which include phone calls and text messages posing as official communications from the Comptroller General's Department. Individuals are advised to verify the source of such communications and avoid clicking on suspicious links. It is crucial to download applications only from trusted platforms like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
For those who suspect they have been targeted or affected, it is recommended to reach out to the relevant agencies for verification. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to local police stations or file an online complaint at www.thaipoliceonline.go.th, or by calling the hotline 1441, which operates 24/7.