Law
Warning Issued Over 'Sugar Daddy' Video Call Scam Targeting Students
Authorities have alerted the public to a new scam where criminals pose as wealthy benefactors to record and extort university students.
According to a report by Matichon Online, a concerning scam has emerged targeting university students in Thailand. Criminals are posing as wealthy individuals—often referred to as 'sugar daddies'—on social media platforms to initiate contact with students. Under the guise of offering financial support or companionship, these scammers persuade victims to engage in private video calls.
During these calls, the perpetrators secretly record the students. These illicit recordings are then allegedly sold or distributed within private, restricted online groups. This activity poses a significant risk to the privacy and reputation of the victims, as the scammers use the threat of exposing these videos to extort money or further exploit the individuals involved.
For residents and visitors, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with interacting with unknown individuals online, particularly when financial incentives or intimate interactions are involved. Digital safety experts emphasize the importance of verifying the identity of online acquaintances and exercising extreme caution when sharing personal information or engaging in video communications with strangers.
As of now, the full scale of this criminal operation and the number of victims affected remain under investigation. Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the platforms being used or the total number of arrests made in connection with these reports.