Thailand Law Library

by Thailand Lawyer

Have you been receiving suspicious calls about a “no-risk” investment opportunity? You could be the next target of an international call center scam.

Many modern investment fraud schemes are operated by organized crime rings based overseas, particularly in Southeast Asia. From countries like Thailand, these groups run sophisticated call center operations that target individuals in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond. Thailand’s strategic location and relatively low operating costs have made it an attractive base for scammers. 

This article explains how these scams operate, highlighting a real case based in Thailand, and outlines what victims, both in Thailand and abroad, can do to pursue justice and recover their losses.

What Is a Call Center Investment Scam?

A call center investment scam is a type of financial fraud in which scammers, often posing as reputable professionals, contact individuals to promote fake investment opportunities. Organized groups use professional-sounding pitches to convince victims to hand over large sums of money.

Many scams follow a pattern that looks something like this:

• Professional Fronts: Scammers use polished websites, fake company registrations, and social media presence to appear legitimate.
• Personalized Outreach: They contact their victims through email, social platforms, or messaging apps with tailored pitches promising high-yield investments or retirement planning services.
• Fake Credentials: The scammers may claim to be registered financial advisors or wealth managers from countries like Australia, the UK, or the US, and speak with native English accents that boost their credibility.
• Urgency and Exclusivity: They create a false sense of urgency with “limited-time offers” or “exclusive funds” to push victims into quick decisions.
• Money Transfer Requests: Scammers ask victims to wire funds or buy cryptocurrency, but then funnel the money through a web of accounts that makes recovery nearly impossible.

These scams are sophisticated and widespread. In one high-profile case uncovered by Thai authorities, an international fraud ring operated an illegal call center from a home in the outskirts of Bangkok, swindling thousands of Australian victims.

Real Case Study in 2025: International Call Center Scam Uncovered

In June 2025, Thai police raided a luxury house in Samut Prakan, just outside Bangkok, and arrested 13 foreign men suspected of running a transnational investment scam. The group included five Australians, six Britons, one Canadian, and one South African. Officers found evidence linking them to a call center that targeted Australian investors with fake bond schemes.

Visitors were invited to explore “secure” investment opportunities promising annual returns of 7% to 10% over one to three years. Once individuals submitted their personal details, the scammers compiled the information into a target list of over 14,000 Australians. 

Then, posing as licensed financial advisors, they began calling these potential investors during Australian business hours, starting their shifts at 5 a.m. local time. To appear more credible, the group used realistic-looking LinkedIn profiles, branded documents, and scripted sales pitches.

Authorities estimate that the scam defrauded investors of more than 32 million baht (approximately 1.5 million AUD) in just one year. According to Australian officials, similar schemes have cost Australians over 4.45 billion AUD in recent years, with many of these losses funneled through cryptocurrency networks.

What to Do If You Fall Victim to a Call Center Scam

If you’ve fallen victim to a Thailand-based call center scam, recovery can be difficult – especially from overseas – but it’s not impossible. Here’s what to do if you’re scammed in Thailand:

• Document All Evidence
  Collect and preserve all relevant materials, including:
• Screenshots of fraudulent websites or online chats.
• Emails, SMS messages, and call logs.
• Bank transfer receipts or proof of payments.
• Any promotional materials or advertisements related to the scam.
• Report the Scam in Your Home Country
  Notify relevant anti-fraud organizations in your country, such as:
• Scamwatch – Australia
• Action Fraud – United Kingdom
• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – United States
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – Canada

They can help prevent others from falling victim and may be able to direct you to valuable recovery resources.

• Report the Crime in Thailand
  If the scammers or receiving bank accounts are based in Thailand, you should report the crime to local authorities. You can contact:
• Thai Tourist Police: Dial 1155 or report online at www.thaipoliceonline.com. 
• The Anti-Online Scam Operation Center (AOC): Call 1441.
• Your Bank’s Fraud Department: Notify your bank immediately to flag suspicious transfers and request a chargeback.
• Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO): File a complaint to request recovery of funds from the scammer or the receiving bank.
• Notify Your Embassy or Consulate
  Your home country’s embassy or consulate in Thailand can be a valuable resource if you’ve been targeted by a scam.

  While they cannot give legal advice, they should be able to provide a list of reputable, English-speaking legal professionals who can assist you in your recovery efforts.

  They can also assist with Thai authorities by explaining local procedures, helping you file police reports, and supporting communication with agencies such as the Tourist Police and the AOC.

• Consult with a Thai Fraud Lawyer
  Working with a local fraud lawyer significantly improves your chances of recovering funds or holding scammers accountable. A qualified Thai fraud attorney can help you:
• File police reports and submit formal legal complaints.
• Coordinate with embassies, banks, and government agencies.
• Investigate the records of the scam.
• File a civil lawsuit to recover your funds.
• Pursue criminal charges against the scammers.

Reputable Fraud and Scam Lawyers in Thailand

If you’ve been defrauded by a call center or investment scam linked to Thailand, Siam Legal can help. With over 22 years of experience, our bilingual (English and Thai-speaking) attorneys assist clients worldwide, including from Australia, the US, the UK, Canada, and the EU, in complex fraud cases in Thailand.

We work closely with Thai law enforcement, cybercrime units, courts, and financial institutions to investigate scams, file police reports, and pursue financial restitution or legal action. Our team understands the complexities of cross-border fraud and is committed to helping victims stop ongoing scams and hold criminals accountable.

Contact Siam Legal today for a free consultation with one of our expert fraud advisors and learn how you can protect yourself from future scams and recover your losses.