General knowledge

Beware! Online Job Scams – Fake Jobs, Forced Payments, and Threats to Reveal Personal Information

28
Oct

In today’s digital age, online jobs have become a popular choice for people of all ages, especially students and young adults seeking extra income from home. However, this popularity has opened the door for scammers to deceive innocent people, particularly through “online job application scams”, where victims are asked to pay money before starting work, or are threatened when they try to quit. These scams are becoming more frequent and more aggressive.

Common Types of Online Job Scams

1. Asking for payment before starting work
 The most common trick is requesting applicants to transfer money first for example, for “work equipment fees” or “membership fees.” Once the money is transferred, the scammer disappears, blocks the victim, or convinces them to recruit others for commission, turning it into a pyramid scheme.

2. Threatening when victims try to cancel
 When victims realize they’ve been scammed and want to stop, the scammer starts sending threats:

  • Filing a lawsuit
  • Releasing personal information
  • Reporting to the police or court for “breach of contract”

Those who previously submitted documents like ID cards or personal data are often blackmailed using this information.

3. Harassment even after being blocked
 Scammers may use new accounts to continue harassing victims or contact friends, family, or employers to create pressure so the victim agrees to pay more.

Why Do Scammers Have Our Personal Information?

Because victims willingly send it without caution. Fake platforms or agencies ask for details such as:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Address
  • Copy of ID card
  • Bank account number

This information may be used to:

  • Blackmail for money
  • Forge loan documents
  • Apply for services in your name
  • Sell to cybercriminal groups

Always verify the legitimacy of any company before sending personal data. Search their name on Google or Facebook for complaints or scam reports.

 What to Do if You Already Sent Personal Information?

1. Stay calm and never transfer more money.
 Scammers often threaten lawsuits or exposure, but they have no real legal authority.

2. Save all evidence such as chat messages, bank accounts, phone numbers, and contact details.

3. Report to the nearest police station to officially record yourself as a victim not an accomplice.

4. Inform your bank to freeze or monitor your account if any information or money was shared.

5. Consult a lawyer to ensure you take the right legal steps to protect your rights.

Relevant Laws Protecting Online Job Scam Victims

  • Fraud (Section 341, Thai Criminal Code):
     Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 60,000 THB.
  • Extortion/Threats (Section 392):
     Up to 1 year imprisonment or a fine of up to 20,000 THB.
  • Computer Crime Act B.E. 2560 (2017):
     Covers unauthorized use or distribution of personal data and false information causing damage to others.

What If They Threaten to Sue or Expose Personal Information?

Do not panic and do not pay more money. Keep all messages and file a police report immediately. Lawyers can guide you on how to legally protect yourself.

If the victim is a minor, parents or guardians should intervene immediately to protect their mental well-being and safety.

Don’t Fall for Online Jobs That Ask for Money or Use Threats

Real online jobs never require upfront payment and never threaten applicants. If you encounter such behavior, collect evidence, report to the police, and consult a lawyer right away.

Do not let fear become a weapon for scammers. Contact “Wongsakorn Law Office” for legal advice and protection.