Bangkok: Panic has spread among Bangkok residents, with reports indicating that 40% are afraid to answer calls from unknown numbers due to rampant scam operations impersonating government agencies. These scams are increasingly sophisticated, leveraging AI technology to manipulate victims into unknowingly losing money.

According to Thai News Agency, a survey conducted by "Baan Somdej Poll" highlights that call center scams pose a significant threat to the city's residents. Around 40.1% have expressed apprehension and hesitation in answering unknown calls. Most respondents reported receiving fraudulent calls or messages at least once or twice monthly, with the most common scams involving impersonations of government agencies, transportation companies, investment schemes, and romance scams.

Although the majority of individuals have not lost assets, nearly one-third have come close to falling for scams, and 7.2% have actually lost money. This underscores the increasing sophistication of these scams, particularly the use of AI to mimic voices and faces, as well as new methods to disrupt financial flow, complicating efforts to track and apprehend perpetrators. These scams are also affecting mental health, communication, and family relationships.

The public is urging the government to take serious action against this issue, proposing stricter legal penalties, the development of AI systems to filter out scammers, and collaboration with neighboring countries to combat cross-border gangs. These measures are seen as necessary to restore trust and security within Thai society.