The burden of debt has pushed many to rely on "quick loan apps," which have become loopholes exploited by fraudsters using the lure of “easy loans, fast money.” Ultimately, those who borrow can become trapped, as debts of a few thousand or tens of thousands baht can balloon to hundreds of thousands within months.
When asked how many illegal loan apps, platforms, and websites operate online, the government announced on 24 May 2026 that there are more than 1,500 such apps (including URLs). Despite filing requests to suspend or block them, many fraudulent apps remain. So, how can we avoid falling victim to these scams? Thairath Money has compiled the information here.
Nowadays, scammers have become more sophisticated. Some steal personal data, while others lure borrowers with loans only to reveal later that the annual interest rate exceeds 100%. Such cases can severely harm people trying to get back on their feet and leave them with no solution. Here we gather four warning signs to help protect against all forms of scams.
1. Loans offered too easily. This may indicate a scam.
If you see advertisements claiming “100% loan approval” or “even those blacklisted can borrow,” or any vague claims of easy loans without clear details, be cautious as this may be a fraudulent loan app. Normally, financial institutions (or lenders) always verify income sources before granting loans.
2. Requests for access to unrelated personal data.
Nowadays, apps often request access to data on your phone. If you consent without reading carefully, your personal information might be stolen. Numerous reported cases involve fraudulent apps accessing contacts and then harassing or collecting debts from your family or relatives.
Therefore, before installing any app, you should read the “Permissions” it requests. If it asks for access to your contacts, photo albums, microphone, or location, assume it is a fraudulent loan app.
3. Receiving less loan amount than promised and unclear interest information.
Have you ever borrowed 10,000 baht but only received 8,000 because the app claimed to deduct processing fees? Or some apps do not disclose the annual interest rate, only stating a daily repayment amount. If you cannot verify these details, be wary that it may be an illegal loan app.
Some borrowers may encounter a “kind person” tactic, where the lender extends the loan term repeatedly, but the debt grows higher than the principal. Eventually, a “cruel person” may aggressively pursue debt collection, sometimes involving threats or physical harm.
4. Verify legal loan apps through the Bank of Thailand.
Most lending businesses are regulated by the Bank of Thailand (BOT), including banks, microfinance companies, and leasing firms (which receive licenses from the BOT). Before applying for an online loan, you can verify the legitimacy at:BOT License Checkor the official websiteLoan App Verification
According to the Consumer Protection Council, they recommend four steps to handle fraudulent loan apps:
1. Stay calm when debt collectors contact you. Creditors have the right to collect debts but must comply with the law: they can contact debtors once daily from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 20:00, and on weekends or public holidays from 08:00 to 18:00. Importantly, creditors are prohibited from insulting, threatening, using violence, or publicly shaming debtors.
2. Avoid reading messages or answering calls from fraudulent loan apps attempting to collect debts. Additionally, consider getting a new ID card to prevent scammers from using the old one to impersonate you for transactions.
3. Stop accumulating more debt. Do not borrow from other sources to repay initial debts. You can seek advice from debt relief hotlines 1213 or 1443.
4. Gather evidence and file a police report. You can report via the AOC hotline 1441, or call 1559 or the National Police Office's Technology Crime Suppression Center hotline. If you have had your identity stolen or data compromised online, report immediately to recover or correct your accounts.
A common scam tactic of fraudulent loan apps is to lure victims into continuous payments, often threatening them not to report to authorities. In such situations, it is crucial to consult trusted people or report to the police to find a fair resolution.
Finally, many wonder if stopping payment on illegal loan apps leads to lawsuits. This depends on the specific charges. It is advisable to consult with the police, the Consumer Protection Council, or the Bank of Thailand for targeted assistance. However, lenders charging interest rates above the legal limit (15% per year without a license) are violating Thai law.
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