Causes and Types of Online Fraud Victimization in Thailand

Abstract

A careless use of technology and online addiction are prone to be victimized by cybercrimes such as online fraud. The incidents of online fraud are much higher if people spend too much time on the internet. The purpose of the research was to find out the causes and types of online frauds in Thailand and identify patterns of preventing online fraud victimization. By making use of qualitative research design, this study used in-depth interview and focus group techniques for data collection. The sample size comprised 36 police officers who had the experience of handling online fraud cases from the Technology Crime Suppression Division, the Department of Special Investigation, and Metropolitan Police Bureau and 15 victims, who had filed complaints to the Technology Crime Suppression Division or local police station. The results revealed that there could be at least three causes of online fraud victimization, such as victims’ inexperience, over-optimism, and acquisitiveness. In addition, types of online fraud online fraud comprise sale scam, hacking Facebook or Line accounts to borrow money, romance scams and financial or investment scams. This research recommends that government agencies involved in online fraud prevention should urgently campaign on the pattern of online fraud so that people would be aware of cybercrime damages.