Bangkok: “Paveena Hongsakul” has lodged a formal complaint with the Cyber Police, expressing concerns over a potential scam by a call center network. She fears her voice might be exploited to create AI models aimed at deceiving others.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paveena Hongsakul, who is the President of the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, approached Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, head of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), providing crucial information and evidence for the investigation of two phone numbers suspected to be linked to a call center gang. Ms. Hongsakul is worried that her voice could be manipulated using AI to mimic her, potentially tricking victims into donating money. She has also submitted information about victims who have previously filed complaints with her foundation regarding online crimes, including scams involving nude photographs, threats, and blackmail, to the TCSD for further investigation.
Ms. Hongsakul recounted that on Monday, February 10, she received calls from two phone numbers in close succession. The first call, from 062 684 09xx, was made at 10:47 a.m., which she missed. The second call, from 066 050 57xx, at 11:15 a.m., involved a woman claiming to be from a police station, asking repeatedly if she was Ms. Hongsakul. Suspicious of the caller’s intents, Ms. Hongsakul ended the call, suspecting it to be a part of a broader scam operation that not only extorts money but also uses voice imitation through AI technology to target victims.
The Paveena Foundation has previously encountered two notable scam cases. One involved a mother from Trang Province who mistakenly transferred money to a scammer posing as the foundation, believing it was to aid her son, who was tricked into working at a call center in Poipet, Cambodia. The second case involved a young car painter deceived by a scammer using a LINE profile picture of ‘Paveena’, convincing her to transfer 30,000 baht as loan fees, ultimately leaving her without funds to treat her ailing mother.
Ms. Hongsakul has issued a public warning against scammers impersonating her or her foundation, emphasizing that the Paveena Foundation does not solicit donations or fees for assistance.
In addressing rising online crimes, the foundation has recorded 668 complaints, including 318 cases of fraudulent investment with damages exceeding 3 billion, 64 fraudulent call center cases, and 105 cases of fraudulent pornographic clips, predominantly affecting individuals aged 11-15. Other reported cases include deceived mule account openings, social media threats, online borrowing scams, and false job opportunities abroad.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong mentioned that efforts are underway to interrogate Ms. Hongsakul and verify the suspected phone numbers’ linkage to the call center network. The information provided by the foundation will undergo thorough examination to determine any connections and initiate the necessary investigation procedures.