Deepfakes are a type of digital media that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create realistic but fake images, videos, and audio of celebrities, trusted organizations, or public figures. Unfortunately, as this technology has proliferated, anyone can now be a target of deepfakes. In Thailand, criminals have begun to use deepfake technology to scam victims out of their savings or trick them into revealing sensitive or private information or media.
The Royal Thai Police have warned the public about the surge in deepfake AI scams as criminals develop increasingly advanced technology to commit fraud, identity theft, and blackmail. To mitigate these risks, authorities urge individuals to remain vigilant and use secondary verification methods to protect themselves from deepfake scams in Thailand.
How Deepfake AI Works
Many scammers in Thailand use AI technology to create highly realistic voice and video deepfakes. These sophisticated digital imitations can mimic a person’s appearance and voice with startling accuracy, making it challenging for scam targets to distinguish between genuine and fake communications.
For example, scammers may use deepfake videos to impersonate trusted individuals such as friends or family members, or reputable organizations and businesses like a bank or government agency, in order to coerce targets into divulging sensitive information or transferring money (including cryptocurrency).
Common Types of Deepfake Scams in Thailand
AI has been used to both enhance classic Thai scams, as well as create new ones that are difficult to predict and spot.
Romance Scams
Romance scams have existed in Thailand for decades, but now with superior technology, scammers can cause even more harm. Advanced AI technology allows them to create convincing fake online personas to appear attractive and trustworthy on dating platforms and social media.
Scammers can create realistic unique images and videos of people that don’t exist, imitate celebrities, or steal another individual’s likeness. They can then use these images (and sometimes audio) to send fake photos and videos, and even talk on a video call as someone else entirely.
Once they gain their target’s trust, they exploit their emotional vulnerabilities to solicit money or personal information. The realistic nature of deepfake-generated photos and videos makes it incredibly difficult for victims seeking a genuine love connection to notice the deception. This often leads to severe emotional and financial damage.
Blackmail
Blackmail in Thailand has become much easier with the introduction of artificial intelligence. With deepfake technology, scammers can create realistic fake videos and images of a victim in compromising situations such as engaging in illegal activities or inappropriate or immoral behavior.
Scammers use these falsified images to threaten victims with exposure and coerce them into complying with their demands. The constant fear of public humiliation or legal consequences often forces victims to comply and exacerbates the psychological impact, leaving them feeling helpless.
Business Impersonation
Scammers have used deepfake technology to impersonate executives of prominent companies. In one case, a deepfake video call from a scammer convinced the finance department of a high-profile company to transfer a large sum of money to a fraudulent account.
Fake Charity Drives
Fraudsters can use deepfake technology to create videos of well-known figures promoting charities and philanthropic causes. These videos can become widely circulated on social media, prompting many people to donate money in the belief that they are contributing to a good cause.
Fake Investment Offers
Like fake charity drives, criminals sometimes circulate AI videos of famous figures promoting investment opportunities or cryptocurrency offers. These offers are often scams, and the fraudsters take investor funds and provide nothing in return.
Consequences of a Deepfake AI Scam
Sadly, the damage caused by these scams goes far beyond small financial losses. Victims can experience both financial and emotional devastation as the result of a deepfake scam.
Financial Loss
Victims of deepfake AI scams in Thailand often face substantial financial losses, whether they be from corporate accounts, crypto wallets, or a retirement pension. Even property and real estate can be stolen with these methods, especially in romance scams. AI scams can target anyone, from everyday citizens and small businesses to high-profile individuals and corporations.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Deepfake AI scams can take a heavy emotional toll, particularly for victims of blackmail and romance scams.
Threats of blackmail can cause victims to feel isolated, ashamed, and anxious about what society might think of them. On the other hand, victims of romance scams have usually invested significant emotional energy in what they believe to be a genuine relationship. The eventual realization that they have been deceived can cause feelings of betrayal, embarrassment, and severe emotional distress.
Victims of deepfake scams may experience long-term psychological effects including symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a lasting mistrust of new people. These emotional scars can be just as damaging as financial losses, leaving victims struggling to rebuild their lives and trust in those around them.
Preventing Deepfake AI Scams in Thailand
To combat the growing threat of fraud, the Royal Thai Police aims to educate the public about the dangers and signs of deepfake scams, particularly through media warnings and advice. They emphasize the importance of verifying the authenticity of all digital communications and being skeptical of unexpected requests for money or personal information.
Fortunately, companies and cybersecurity experts are developing sophisticated tools capable of identifying deepfake content. These tools utilize machine learning algorithms to detect anomalies in audio and video files such as unnatural facial movements or inconsistencies in voice patterns.
Additionally, efforts are being made to improve digital security measures, including implementing more robust multi-factor authentication and enhanced biometric verification systems. These measures aim to make it more difficult for scammers to impersonate individuals and commit fraud.
What to Do if You Encounter a Deepfake AI Scam in Thailand
If you suspect someone is trying to scam you using deepfake AI, you can contact the following resources to report the scam and protect others from falling victim:
- Thai Tourist Police at 1155
- Anti-Online Scam Operation Center (AOC) at 1441
- Online platform where you initially met the scammer (i.e. social media or dating app)
If you believe you have fallen victim to a deepfake scam in Thailand, reach out to a qualified lawyer to discuss your options for legal recourse.
Reliable Fraud Lawyers in Thailand
Siam Legal International is a full-service law firm with over two decades of experience in Thai law. Our experienced team of fraud specialists understands the financial and emotional toll of deepfake scams and can provide personalized guidance to help you recover.
We explain your rights, guide you through the legal process, and help you minimize your losses so you can move forward from the scam. If necessary, we can represent you in court to pursue justice against the scammer and reclaim your assets. To learn more about how our expert fraud lawyer in Thailand can help, please reach out to Siam Legal today.
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