Combating Online Scam

          In response to the increasing prevalence of online crime and its widespread impact, which has become a global concern, the Thai government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing this issue. The government has implemented policies aimed at aggressively combating online crime, as reflected in her statement:

          “The government will urgently address crime, including online scams and transnational crimes, to protect the interests of the people. This will be achieved by enhancing the capacity and efficiency in preventing and suppressing call center scams and swiftly responding to online crimes. Additionally, we will provide prompt assistance to victims of scams, strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries, and establish mechanisms for shared responsibility involving telecommunications operators and commercial banks.”

          This policy aligns with the goals of the 20-Year National Strategy on Security and the Digital Economy and Society Plan, which emphasize building trust and security in the use of digital technology. Key priorities include:

1. 1. Developing secure digital infrastructure to prevent cyber threats and ensure stable use of technology.
2. 2. Strengthening cooperation among domestic and international agencies to monitor and manage threats effectively.
3. 3. Raising public awareness and enhancing citizens' ability to protect themselves from online crime.

These efforts aim to create a secure digital environment where citizens can use technology confidently and safely, enabling them to address new challenges in the digital era effectively and efficiently.

Objectives

1. To establish a reporting and case management system for technology-related crimes that serves the public and enables effective coordination with relevant agencies.
2. To develop personnel with expertise in supporting the reporting of technology-related crimes, including enhancing their coordination skills with relevant agencies to prevent and minimize potential damages.
3. To procure and develop essential systems, tools, equipment, and facilities to support the operations of technology-related crime reporting and ensure the successful achievement of the project's goals efficiently.

Goal

To establish a one-stop service center that integrates operations with relevant agencies, focusing on providing prompt services to the public. The center aims to swiftly intercept the flow of funds in criminal accounts and serve as a central hub for data analysis and the formulation of effective measures to address online crime.

Operations of the Center
Operational since November 1, 2024.

The Anti Online Scam Operation Center (AOC 1441), operating under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, was established as a One-Stop Service Center to assist the public efficiently and promptly suspend suspicious accounts.

Collaborative Operations
The center integrates efforts from multiple agencies, including:

• Royal Thai Police
• Department of Special Investigation (DSI)
• Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO)
• Bank of Thailand
• National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)

Services Provided via Hotline 1441
The center offers three main services:

• Press 1 : Report and request the suspension of suspicious accounts.
• Press 2 : Request to lift the suspension of personal accounts.
• Press 3: Seek legal advice.

Service Process

• When a victim calls 1441, AOC staff collect information. If the case involves non-compliant online shopping, AOC staff recommend contacting the 1212 hotline.
• Staff record the victim's details in the system and forward the call to the victim's bank for KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.
• After KYC is completed, the call returns to the AOC agent, who logs the Bank Case ID into the system. The victim's details are then sent to the Thaipoliceonline system, generating a Police Case ID. The victim can choose the police station for their case, and an SMS is sent within 24 hours.
• The victim will receive an SMS from the police, including the Police Case ID, for case tracking and instructions to meet the investigator at the designated police station within 7 days.

          With the collaboration of multiple agencies and comprehensive services, the AOC 1441 Center is committed to preventing and addressing online crime efficiently to ensure public safety and confidence in the digital realm.
          The operational statistics of AOC reflect its success in service delivery and its positive impact on assisting the public. Complaints received by AOC not only represent the number of cases handled but also provide insights into trends and patterns of emerging online crimes. This information serves as a valuable resource for designing effective preventive and responsive measures for the future.

Service Statistics of AOC
Operational data since November 1, 2024 to June 13, 2025

3.1 Top 5 Online Scam Alerts The AOC Center identifies and alerts the public to the top five most prevalent online scams each month to enhance awareness and reduce potential harm. Below are the top five scams reported and monitored in December 2024:

• Investment Scams – Fraudulent schemes promising high returns with low risk, often involving fake investment platforms.
• Online Shopping Fraud – Fake e-commerce websites or sellers failing to deliver goods as advertised.
• Job Offer Scams – False job advertisements requiring upfront payments or personal information for non-existent opportunities.
• Phishing Attacks – Fraudulent messages or emails aimed at stealing personal or financial information.
• Romance Scams – Exploiting victims emotionally to extort money under false pretenses of a romantic relationship.

AOC continues to work closely with the public and relevant agencies to disseminate these alerts and provide preventive measures, ensuring a safer digital environment for all citizens. 3.2 Examples of Online Scams

• CASE 1: Romance Scam
• CASE 2: Investment Scam

On February 20, 2024
a briefing on measures to address online crime was presented to the House of Representatives' Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Narcotics Control.

On March 13, 2024
the program was filmed at Thai PBS television station to raise awareness of online scams.

On July 2, 2024
A briefing on the progress and measures to address online crime was presented to officials from the Ministry of Defense.

On August 6, 2024
a briefing on measures to address online crime was presented to the central bank of the Republic of the Philippines. The session included an exchange of views on the prevention and suppression of online crime.

On August 27, 2024
a briefing on measures to address online crime was conducted for provincial digital offices nationwide.

On September 9, 2024
a briefing on measures to address online crime was conducted for financial institutions of the Lao PDR, along with an exchange of views on preventing and suppressing online crime.

On September 25, 2024
a briefing on measures to address online crime was conducted for financial institutions of the UNODC, along with an exchange of views on preventing and suppressing online crime.

On October 17, 2024
a briefing on measures to address online crime was conducted for the Japanese Embassy, along with an exchange of views on preventing and suppressing online crime.

On December 12, 2024
a briefing on measures to address online crime was conducted for students enrolled in the Assistant Prosecutor Training Program at the Institute of Prosecutor Personnel Development, along with an exchange of views on preventing and suppressing online crime.

On December 12, 2024
a briefing on public service operations through the 1441 hotline was conducted with staff from the Government Contact Center (GCC) 1111, aiming to exchange experiences in serving the public.

On January 9, 2025
a briefing on measures to address online crime was conducted for representatives from the Mongolian Police Agency, along with an exchange of views on preventing and suppressing online crime.

On January 15, 2025
We welcomed Mr. Phuangpasert Keosouvahn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Communications of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, along with his delegation, to visit the Anti Online Scam Operation Center (AOC). During their visit, they received a presentation on "The Integration of Collaborative Efforts by the Anti Online Scam Operation Center (AOC)."

5.1 Prepare Information Before Calling AOC 1441

To ensure faster and more efficient service, please have the following information ready when contacting AOC 1441:
• Full Name and ID Number: Provide the victim's full name and national ID number.
• Victim’s Bank Account Details: Include the name of the bank, account number, and the date and time of the transaction. If multiple bank accounts were used, prepare details for all accounts.
• Scammer’s Bank Account Details: Include the bank name and account number of the scammer to whom the money was transferred. If transfers were made to multiple accounts, prepare details for all accounts.
• Case Details: Provide a brief overview of the case for accurate reporting, such as the timeline of events, the communication channels used by the scammer, or the platform where the scam occurred.
• Phone Number: Provide the phone number where you wish to receive an SMS from Thai Police Online. The SMS will include confirmation of the report and the Police Case ID for case tracking and instructions to meet with the investigator at the police station within 7 days.

5.2 Do Not Hang Up and Call Again If you experience long wait times, avoid hanging up and redialing, as this will place you at the end of the call queue, delaying your service further.

5.3 Meet the Investigator Within 7 Days Online scams are criminal offenses under the law. Even after completing the KYC process and filing an online report, victims are required by law to meet with an investigator at the designated police station within 7 days to proceed with the legal process.