Thailand’s technology-crime suppression operations centre recently reported a marked rise in online romance scams around Valentine’s Day. Figures cited in the report put victims’ losses over the past year above 860 million baht, approximately US$24 million, highlighting financial traps behind romantic approaches.
Official figures cited in the article counted 3,939 victims over the past 24 months. In most cases, scammers posed as romantic partners on Facebook, Instagram and other social platforms, built emotional relationships and then induced transfers for supposed investments, illness or urgent financial needs.
The report identifies women aged 35 to 55 with stable incomes as the main targets, while men aged 40 to 60 were also targeted. Authorities warned that someone professing love while asking for money was very likely running a scam.
