A new scam has emerged online in which amulet sellers claim they have helped numerous people, including celebrities, to win the lottery due to the luck of their products.
In a country with such high superstitions regarding luck and particularly the opportunity of purchasing lucky amulets, this scam has already tricked hundreds into buying the items online.
Deputy Spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, Pol Col Kirsana Pattanchareon, addressed the issue, informing online amulet buyers to be aware of such tactics used to sell the items. He said:
“Investigation officers have looked into this matter and found a group of people who offered to buy lottery tickets after it had won the prizes in the latest drawing, so that they could take a picture and post on social media claiming it was won by celebrities.”
The scam used previously winning lottery tickets photoshopped to make it look like the seller had assisted the winners and celebrities with coming into great wealth.
Potential buyers who were convinced by the stories sold to them would then purchase the amulets from the sellers believing they too would win the lottery or come into a significant amount of money.
Of course, no such luck is possible and police are now seeking to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the scam. Pol Col Pattanchareon continued:
“Lottery is a game of chance with no way to guarantee success, therefore people should consider carefully before buying anything that claims to bring luck to the owner.”
Such crimes are punishable under section 14 of the Computer-related Crimes Act which states those who distort or forge information in a manner that is likely to damage another person will be subjected to five years in prison and/or a fine up to 100,000 baht.
Police have asked anyone who has fallen victim to the scam or has any information about the sellers to contact the Cyber Taskforce on 1599, 1155, or 191.
Source: The Nation
