Couple scams Thai expats in Australia out of US$1.5 million
One victim invested US$22,000 into bogus savings programme that offered an interest rate above bank rates along with luxury bags and jewellery
By King-Oua Laohong
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Thailand has received a complaint alleging that more than 250 Thai expats in Australia have been cheated by a Thai couple out of at least 50 million baht (US$1.5 million).
Ms Pimlada, whose surname was not provided, filed a complaint with the DSI claiming she was among the more than 250 Thai expats and students in Sydney who were conned in a bogus investment scam.
Ms Pimlada, 37, said the couple conducted a social media live session to advertise an investment scheme targeting Thais, many of whom live in Sydney, Australia’s largest city.
People were lured into investing in a savings programme that offered an interest rate above bank rates.
She said the scheme promised a handsome return of A$4,000 (US$2,945) within three months based on a principal investment of A$4,500 (US$3,314). The interest was expected to keep rising every quarter, she said.
Eager to maximise her profits, she agreed to invest A$30,000 (US$22,092). The couple also offered a foreign exchange service that provided higher-than-market rates for different currency exchanges.
