Thai Dating Scams Are Real But Avoidable
Thai dating scams are a growing problem, and even the most careful individuals can fall victim.
According to an article by The Nation, most victims of romance scams in Thailand are people in their 40s. This is because they often seek love and companionship online, and therefore are more vulnerable to the tactics of scammers.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau of Thailand said that people in this age group are also more likely to be going through a difficult time in their relationships, which makes them even more susceptible to scams.
The number of romance scam-related complaints filed with the Royal Thai Police is a clear indication that it has become a serious problem in Thailand. Between March 1, 2022 and January 31, 2023, over 200,000 complaints were filed with the Royal Thai Police regarding romance scams, with losses totaling over 30 billion baht.
According to one police officer, these victims don’t often consult anyone, as they blame themselves for getting involved in a secret affair.
These facts are not meant to scare men who are looking for a Thai woman to date or marry. As a matter of fact, romance scams are an issue in every country, and not exclusive to Thailand. However, any individual seeking love in Thailand would be prudent to be aware of the risks involved. Of course, not everyone you meet in Thailand is a scammer, but be cautious and deal with only legitimate people.
Here, we will talk about things you need to know about Thai dating scams and how you can avoid being embroiled in one.
Types of Thai Online Dating Scams
Thai scammers use many tactics to lure you into giving them your money. They are experts at taking advantage of people’s emotions. They may use flattery, promises of love, or even threats to get you to send them money. Before you know it, you may have already fallen for their tricks.
Here are the four most common types of Thai online dating scams you need to be aware of:
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Catfishing Scams
This is a type of scam where the scammer creates a fake profile on a dating site or app, and then poses as someone they’re not. They may use stolen photos or create a fictional persona. Once they have the victim’s trust, they will start asking for money or gifts.
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Money Scams
This involves the scammer asking the victim for money for some reason. They may say they need money for a medical emergency, to travel to visit the victim, or to start a business. Scammers may convince you to invest in their business, which is too good to be true. Once the victim sends money, the scammer will disappear.
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Tourist Scams
This type of scam targets tourists who are visiting Thailand. The scammer may pose as a taxi driver, a tour guide, or a hotel employee. They may overcharge the victim for services or take them to a fake ATM where they will be charged high fees.
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Marriage Scams
Here, the scammer pretends to be interested in marrying the victim. They may say they are a widow or widower with children, or that they need a visa to come to the victim’s country. Once the victim is convinced, the scammer will ask for money to help with the wedding or visa process.
Warning Signs You’re Being Scammed
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when someone is telling us what we want to hear. We may overlook red flags in their behavior because we’re so focused on the positive. But it’s important to take a step back and assess the situation before it’s too late. You may be a victim of a scam without even realizing it.
Here are the warning signs you should watch out for:
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They are extra good-looking and seem too good to be true.
Scammers often use fake profiles with photos of attractive people to lure their victims. These profiles may be stolen from social media or created by the scammer themselves. Be careful as there are plenty of face generators online that can easily create a fake photo. If someone seems too good to be true, they probably are.
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They are interested in you pretty quickly.
Scammers are experts at making people feel special and wanted. They will often shower their victims with compliments and attention, even if they have just met. Watch out for this if you’re the type to be easily swooned by flowery words. If someone is interested in you right away, it’s a good idea to be cautious.
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They ask for personal information.
They will ask for your personal information like your name, address, and phone number to carry out their scams. They may ask for this information under the guise of getting to know you better or for security purposes. Never give out personal information to someone you don’t know and trust.
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They ask for money.
Money is most often the main goal of most online dating scams. Scammers will often come up with sob stories or other excuses to ask for money. They may say they need money to pay for medical bills, travel expenses, or to help their family. Do not make any financial commitment to someone you haven’t even met in person.
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They refuse to meet in person.
Because they often aren’t who they say they are, they’ll refuse to meet in person or provide contact information. They’ll find any and every excuse to not get caught. If someone is reluctant to meet you in person after many weeks or months of talking, there’s a high possibility that you’re dealing with a scammer.
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They have a sob story or a sense of urgency.
Scammers use sob stories to tug at your heartstrings and make you feel sorry for them. They may say they are in trouble and need your help. They may also create a sense of urgency, telling you that you need to act quickly or they will be hurt or worse. Be cautious when someone tells you a sob story or creates a sense of urgency
How to Avoid Being Embroiled in Thai Dating Scams
Thai dating scams are a real problem, but they are not unavoidable. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to Thai dating site scams. Here are some tips to avoid being a victim:
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Use reputable dating websites.
There are many reputable dating websites that have security measures to protect their users from scammers. However, it is essential to do your research and choose a website that has a good reputation. Thailand-women.com has a highly thorough personal verification process for our female participants to ensure they are not scammers.
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Be wary of profiles that are too good to be true.
If someone seems too perfect, that’s your sign that they might be a scam. Scammers often create fake profiles with attractive photos and bios that are designed to catch your attention. Watch out for profile pictures that have been heavily edited or have filtered backgrounds.
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Don’t send money or gift cards.
Gift cards are a popular form of payment for scammers. They are easy to cash in and can be used to purchase goods and services without leaving a paper trail. Do not give in if someone asks you to send them money or gift cards.
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Be cautious about sharing personal information.
Don’t share your full name, address, phone number, or other personal information with someone you don’t know and trust. Scammers may use this information to steal your identity or commit other crimes.
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Insist on doing a video chat.
A video chat is a good way to verify someone’s identity and see if they are who they say they are. Insist on doing a video chat with the other person. If they always refuse, then that’s your sign to walk away.
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Meet in person.
This should be the aim of your online relationship once you have built an online connection. This is a way to verify if the other person is real. Scammers will give every excuse to avoid meeting you in person. Be wary if your online girlfriend is doing this.
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Always trust your gut.
If you have a gut feeling that something is wrong, it is probably right. Don’t try to justify the other person’s behavior. Trust your gut that you may be being targeted by a scammer.
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Report scams to the authorities.
If you think you’re being scammed or you’ve been a victim, report it to the authorities. This will help the authorities track down the scammers and prevent them from victimizing others.
Where to Find a Genuine Thai Woman
Thai dating scams are worrisome for foreign men, and can lead some to never marry a Thai woman. But remember that the vast majority of these women are genuine. Just like you, they are also looking for genuine and serious relationships.
Our agency has been in business since 1995 and is one of the world’s largest and most respected matchmaking agencies. We carefully screen all of our members to ensure that they are genuine and legitimate.
When you register, you will have access to a database of real Thai women who are looking for the same thing as you. We will help you to connect with women who share your interests and values. We will provide you with the support and guidance you need to find the right woman for you.
We understand that online dating can sometimes be taxing, but we are here to make the process as easy and safe as possible. We offer free registration and we are always available to answer your questions.
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