AI, deepfakes propel Thailand’s rising scam epidemic

Scammers are evolving from random cold calls to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and personal data leaks from the underground market to analyse targeted users.

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

Thailand continues to record the highest volume of scam attempts among all Asian markets, according to Whoscall.

The Royal Thai Police said that deepfakes and social media are becoming the primary methods used to lure victims.

"Scammers are increasing their activities and using seasonal event stories to lure victims," Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepor, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, told a media conference yesterday.

Similar to oil price scams, which lure users to click on malicious SMS links, fraudsters now exploit current issues and holidays to attract victims, he added.

"Scams have evolved from random attacks to highly targeted strikes, using leaked personal data [often sold by corrupt employees] to increase credibility," said Pol Maj Gen Siriwat.

Scammers also use Al, particularly deepfakes, to create fraudulent personas and fake accounts.

They target victims through three primary channels: phone calls (call centres), SMS, and social media. Facebook is a major channel, with 600-700 complaints per day, he said.