Police reveal 2026 scam trends focusing on working-age adults using fake SMS, money-draining apps, and AI to boost credibility, deceiving victims into transferring all their money.
On 4 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepho, Deputy Police Spokesperson, disclosed that Pol Gen Kittirat Phanpetch, Commissioner of Police, is concerned about rising tech crime trends in 2026. Criminals are employing artificial intelligence (AI) and sophisticated techniques to target mainly working-age adults. The Royal Thai Police warn and inform the public about four rising types of online threats in 2026, aiming to increase awareness and self-protection against scammers.
1. Do not click links from SMS or Line messages claiming to be from government or private agencies. Scammers send messages alleging "outstanding electricity or water bills" or "refunds," including links. Clicking these may lead to installing money-draining apps or submitting personal data. Remember, government agencies and banks "do not send links" via SMS to the public.
2. Don't trust just images or voices; beware of AI Deepfake. AI technology can mimic voices and create moving facial images of people you know or police officers. Scammers use these to call victims, asking to borrow money or threatening them to transfer funds.
3. Be cautious when scanning QR Codes in public places or emails. Criminals have shifted from sending links to using fake QR Codes placed over legitimate ones or sent by email. Scanning these leads to fake websites that steal passwords or money. Always verify the source of QR Codes before scanning, and if the linked site seems suspicious, close it immediately.
4. Investment scams through online platforms. Fraudulent cryptocurrency investments or online platform investments are expected to rise. Scammers claim unrealistically high returns and create fake profiles posing as celebrities or investors to build trust.
The Deputy Police Spokesperson said that if anyone encounters or falls victim to technology crimes, they should immediately report to the Online Crime Suppression Operation Center (AOC) hotline at 1441 or file a complaint online at the official website.www.thaipoliceonline.go.thAvailable 24 hours a day.