What to Do If You Are Scammed Online: Preserve Evidence, File a Report, and Recover Your Money

If you are scammed online, immediately capture all available evidence, contact your bank to request a temporary transaction hold, and file a police report through thaipoliceonline.go.th or at any police station. The sooner you act, especially within the first few hours, the greater the chance that the money will still be in the recipient’s account.

Talata is a Thai marketplace that brings together listings for buying, selling, and renting. It allows people searching for an item to contact the person who posted the listing directly. This article covers both buyers who transferred money but never received an item and sellers who shipped an item but were never paid.

This article focuses specifically on scams involving online purchases and sales. If you were targeted by a call-center scam, a fraudulent investment scheme, or a link that prompted you to install an application, some of the banking and reporting steps may be similar, but the details of the case will differ. Call the 1441 hotline for advice based on your situation.

This information is intended to help you understand the initial steps. It is not legal advice for an individual case. If the case is complex or involves a large amount of money, consider consulting a lawyer as well.

What Should You Do First After Being Scammed Online?

The first thing to do is preserve the evidence and try to stop the money from moving. Do not begin by calling the seller to argue with them, as someone who intended to commit fraud may transfer the money out of the receiving account as soon as it arrives.

Follow these steps in order:

1. Take screenshots of everything related to the transaction, including the listing, chat history, profile, bank account details, and transfer slip. Do this before anything else because the other party may delete the information at any time.
2. Call the incident-response center of the bank from which you transferred the money and request a temporary transaction hold. Most banks have a dedicated hotline for incidents of this kind.
3. File a police report through thaipoliceonline.go.th or visit a police station. Do not wait until the following day.
4. Report the incident to the platform or intermediary used for the transaction so it can review the listing and help prevent further losses.

Data from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau of the Royal Thai Police shows that this does not happen to you alone. Between 1 January 2025 and 21 September 2026, 618,562 online cases were recorded, averaging 982 cases per day. Scams involving products and services accounted for the largest share, at 61 percent. Cases in which buyers transferred money but did not receive the item are therefore a widespread problem.

How Important Are the First 24 Hours for Recovering the Money?

The first 24 hours can affect the likelihood of recovering the money. The sooner you notify the bank, the more likely it is that the funds will still be in the recipient’s account.

The Bank of Thailand advises victims to contact their bank immediately to request a temporary transaction hold and then report the incident to the police as soon as possible. The bank’s hold is temporary. If a police report does not follow, the transaction may be allowed to proceed.

The exact time limit is explained in the account-freezing section below. The important point is that you should contact the bank and file a police report on the same day. Doing only one of these may not be enough.

Report the Incident to the Platform or Intermediary

Report the incident to the platform or intermediary as soon as possible. Depending on its policies and available information, the platform may be able to suspend or remove the fraudulent listing, limit the visibility of an account that has received repeated reports, or provide information to an investigator after receiving an official request.

Your report may therefore help prevent another user from becoming the next victim.

Send the platform the listing link, username, receiving bank account number, and the dates and times of your conversations. Keep in mind that a marketplace platform does not reimburse victims on behalf of the scammer. Recovering the money still requires action through the bank and the legal process.

What Not to Do, as It Could Damage the Evidence

Do not delete the chat or immediately block the other party out of anger. In some applications, blocking an account may also make parts of the conversation history unavailable.

Do not transfer more money, even if the other party claims it is needed for delivery fees, taxes, or parcel-release charges. This may only increase your losses.

You should also avoid publicly accusing someone on social media before filing a police report. If you identify the wrong person, you could face a legal complaint in return.

What Evidence Should You Preserve, and How Should You Preserve It?

Evidence that investigators can use should show who was involved, when the events occurred, and which bank account received the money. Screenshots cropped down to a few lines of text may remove important context, so preserve the full screen whenever possible.

Bank Transfer Evidence

Keep the complete transfer slip showing the receiving account number, account holder’s name, amount, date, and time. If you made several transfers, keep every slip rather than only the one with the largest amount. The total amount transferred may be used to assess the full extent of the loss.

You should also download or save the bank statement for the date of the incident as an additional record supporting the transfer slips.

Evidence of the Transaction and the Other Party’s Identity

Capture the entire listing page, including the URL or page name. Save the seller’s profile showing the username and account registration date. Preserve the chat from the first message through the final exchange, rather than capturing only the part where you agreed on the price.

If the conversation began through a marketplace listing and later moved to another application such as LINE, preserve the records from both channels. This helps show that you were communicating with the same person throughout the transaction.

The phone number used for contact is also evidence. Record it even if the number can no longer be reached, as it may still assist an investigation.

What If You Already Deleted the Chat or Listing?

You can still file a police report. Important records such as the transfer slip and bank statement remain available from the bank and can usually be retrieved later.

For missing chats or listings, look for other records such as notification emails, browsing history, screenshots previously sent to a friend, or copies of the listing link shared with someone else. These materials may still support the case even if they are less complete than the original records.

What Counts as a Scam, and What May Not Be a Scam Yet?

Whether an incident amounts to fraud or remains a civil dispute depends on the circumstances and the other party’s intent. The following table can help you make an initial distinction.

You Transferred the Money but Never Received the Item

This situation becomes more clearly indicative of fraud when the other party disappears after receiving the money, removes the listing, changes the profile name, or blocks your contact channels. Preserve the evidence, contact the bank, and file a police report as soon as possible.

You Received the Wrong Item, a Counterfeit, or a Damaged Item

You need to distinguish between deliberate deception from the beginning and a dispute in which the item had a problem and the seller failed to take responsibility. The first situation may involve a criminal offence, while the second may initially be a civil dispute.

Statements made by the seller can help show intent. These might include guarantees that the item was genuine or claims about the model or year of manufacture. If the item clearly contradicts those statements, the evidence may carry more weight in showing an intention to deceive.

Late Delivery or Temporary Loss of Contact Does Not Automatically Mean Fraud

A delayed delivery or a temporary loss of contact is not, by itself, proof of fraud. If the seller still responds, provides a valid tracking number, or agrees to issue a refund, the matter may still be resolved through communication.

Set a clear deadline in writing. If the matter later needs to be escalated, the message will show that you gave the seller an opportunity to resolve it.

How Much Money Must Be Lost Before You Can File a Police Report?

There is no minimum amount. You can file a police report regardless of how much money was lost because fraud under Section 341 of the Thai Penal Code does not specify a minimum financial threshold.

The penalty is imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to sixty thousand baht, or both. The amount lost may affect the priority of the investigation or whether pursuing the case is practical, but it does not affect your right to report the offence.

The time limit is more important than the amount. Fraud under Section 341 is a compoundable offence, meaning the victim must file a complaint within three months from the date they became aware of the offence and identified the offender.

If you delay because the amount seems too small, the right to pursue the criminal complaint may expire. It is therefore advisable to file the report even when the loss is only a few hundred baht.

What Is the Difference Between Fraud and Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act?

Fraud under Section 341 concerns deception intended to obtain another person’s property. Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act concerns the entry of false data into a computer system.

An online sales scam may involve both types of offence because false information may have been posted through a computer system and then used to induce the victim to transfer money. The actual charges will depend on the circumstances and the investigator’s assessment.

Whether the Computer Crime Act offence can be settled depends on who was harmed. If the deception targeted one particular person, the offence under Section 14(1) is compoundable, like fraud under Section 341, and carries imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to sixty thousand baht, or both. If it was likely to cause damage to the public, such as a fake listing used to deceive many buyers, the offence is non-compoundable and carries imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to one hundred thousand baht, or both.

How Do Compoundable and Non-Compoundable Offences Affect the Police Report?

For a compoundable offence, the criminal case may end if the victim withdraws the complaint. Fraud against the public under Section 343 is non-compoundable and carries a higher penalty: imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to one hundred thousand baht, or both.

If the same seller has defrauded several victims, investigators may continue the case even if some victims later withdraw their complaints.

How Can You Report an Online Scam, and Which Channel Should You Choose?

There are three main channels for reporting an online scam. Choosing a channel that is less suitable for your situation may slow the process, but it does not remove your right to file a report.

Filing an Online Report Through thaipoliceonline

thaipoliceonline.go.th is operated under the Royal Thai Police’s cybercrime authorities. The system includes services for filing online reports, submitting information, requesting an account hold, checking mule-account status, uploading additional documents, and reading user instructions.

You must verify your identity before completing a report. Prepare your identification and collect all evidence files on the same device before starting the form.

Filing a Report at a Police Station

A police station is suitable for a complex case because you can speak directly with an investigator. If your evidence is incomplete, the investigator can tell you what additional information is required.

A technology-related crime can be reported at any local police station. It does not have to be in the area where you live or where the seller is located. Bring one printed copy of the evidence, as this may be easier for the officer to review than opening each image individually on a phone.

Calling the 1441 Hotline

The 1441 hotline is suitable when you have just realised that you may have been scammed and are unsure where to begin. It can also help when you do not know which bank number to call first. The officer can explain the next steps based on the circumstances of the incident.

How Do You Freeze a Scammer’s Account, and How Quickly Must You Act?

The process begins with the bank rather than the police. Call the incident-response center of the bank from which you transferred the money. Explain that you were deceived into making a transfer and provide the receiving account number, amount, and transfer time. The bank will coordinate with the receiving bank to place a temporary hold on the transaction.

The number to remember is 72 hours. Under the Emergency Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes, the bank will temporarily suspend the transaction after receiving the report. The victim must then file a complaint with an investigator within 72 hours so that the investigator can order a continued hold. If no complaint is filed, the account may return to normal operation.

The 72-hour period is not a permanent account freeze. It is the time available for the victim to file the police complaint. If you transferred the money on Friday evening, you should not simply wait until Monday, as the deadline may already have passed.

The incident-response numbers published by the cybercrime authorities include:

• Kasikornbank: 0-2888-8888, press 001
• Siam Commercial Bank: 0-2777-7575
• Bank of Ayudhya: 1572, press 5
• Bangkok Bank: 0-2645-5555, press *3
• Krungthai Bank: 0-2111-1111, press 108
• TMBThanachart Bank: 1428, press 03
• Government Savings Bank: 1115, press 6
• CIMB Thai: 0-2626-7777, press 12

These numbers and menu options may change. Confirm the information on the official cybercrime website before calling. Whether the money can ultimately be recovered depends on several factors, which are explained in the next section.

Can You Recover Money Lost to an Online Scam?

No one can guarantee that the money will be returned. Filing a police report and freezing an account do not automatically transfer the money back to the victim. These actions improve the chance of preserving funds that remain in the receiving account and allow investigators to trace the movement of the money.

What Determines Whether the Money Can Be Recovered?

The most important factor is speed. The sooner you notify the bank, the greater the chance that the money will still be in the receiving account.

Another factor is whether the money has already been withdrawn or transferred elsewhere. If the other party withdraws the money in cash or transfers it through several accounts within minutes, the bank may freeze an account that no longer contains any funds.

If the receiving account was opened in another person’s name, recovery is more likely to depend on the progress of the investigation than on the initial account hold alone.

Is There Still a Chance If the Money Was Transferred to a Mule Account?

There is still a possibility, but the process is likely to take longer and will depend on the investigation. Once the complaint has been filed, investigators can trace the financial route through the accounts that received the subsequent transfers.

The cybercrime website also provides a service for checking the status of mule accounts. Submit additional documents whenever requested and keep the police-report reference number so you can follow the progress of the case.

What Can Sellers Do If They Are Scammed While Selling Online?

People who sell second-hand items online can also be victims of fraud. Common examples include receiving a fake transfer slip, shipping an item without receiving payment, or being falsely accused by a buyer who claims that the item was never delivered. Sellers should always verify that the money has actually arrived and preserve evidence of shipment.

You Shipped the Item but Were Not Paid, or the Buyer Claims It Never Arrived

Three common situations are:

• The buyer sends an edited transfer slip and pressures the seller to ship the item immediately.
• The buyer receives the item but claims it never arrived in order to request a refund or complain to an intermediary.
• The buyer arranges an in-person meeting, asks to inspect the item before paying, and then leaves with it without making payment.

Do not confirm payment from an image of a transfer slip alone. Open your banking application and verify that the money has actually entered the account before shipping the item.

If the item has already been sent and no payment was received, the seller is a victim and can file a police report through the same process available to a defrauded buyer.

Evidence Sellers Should Preserve for Every Transaction

In addition to the basic evidence described above, sellers should keep the delivery receipt showing the tracking number and destination, photographs of the item before packing and when the parcel was sealed, and the buyer’s written confirmation of the delivery address.

These records can help challenge a false claim that the item was not received. For an in-person transaction, preserve evidence that the item was handed over.

How to Check a Buyer or Seller Before Transferring Money

Before transferring money, review the listing, the other party’s identity, and the bank account details. A few minutes of checking may prevent a much longer process of trying to recover the money.

Common Warning Signs in Online Listings

Be cautious if you notice any of the following in a listing or conversation:

• The price is far below the market rate without a reasonable explanation.
• A reverse-image search shows that the product photos appeared on another website earlier.
• The seller pressures you to transfer a deposit on the same day by claiming that someone else is ready to buy.
• The seller refuses an in-person meeting or video call without a reasonable explanation.
• The other party asks to move the conversation outside the platform immediately.

One warning sign may not be enough to draw a conclusion. If several appear in the same listing, stop and investigate further before transferring any money.

Where Can You Check a Seller’s Name and Bank Account Number?

Search the bank account number and phone number on Google together with Thai terms meaning “scam” or “fraud.” If previous victims have posted the details publicly, the reports may appear in the search results.

You can also use the mule-account status service available on the cybercrime authorities’ website. The receiving account name should match the person you are communicating with. If the other party claims that the account belongs to a partner, relative, or business, request evidence before transferring the money.

How Much Can In-Person Inspection and Cash on Delivery Reduce the Risk?

Inspecting an item in person can significantly reduce the risk when buying second-hand goods because you can see both the item and the seller before paying. For large items such as vehicles or furniture, arrange the meeting in a public place with CCTV coverage. There is usually no need to transfer the money before inspecting the item. If it is a used car, follow the steps for buying a used car in Thailand, from checking the registration book to making payment.

Cash on delivery reduces the risk of paying before a parcel arrives, but it does not protect against every problem. Payment is made when the parcel is received, not after the contents have been inspected. If you use this method, record an uninterrupted video while opening the parcel so you have evidence if the item does not match the agreement.

Before transferring money, read the entire listing, compare the price with similar items, and ask questions until the information is consistent. Once the details are clear, you can contact the owner to arrange an inspection.

Why Buy and Sell Second-Hand Items Through Talata?

Talata brings together listings for buying, selling, and renting across categories including cars, motorcycles, real estate, electronics, home furnishings, and automotive parts. Buyers can compare the prices and details of several listings before deciding. They can also contact listing owners directly and arrange to inspect a second-hand item before paying when appropriate.

Every listing submitted to Talata requires phone-number verification. Sellers can help buyers assess an item by using genuine photographs from several angles and clearly describing its condition and transaction terms. Before making a decision, both parties should verify the details, compare their options, and confirm the information with the other party. If you want to browse or post an item, you can get started on Talata.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Filing an Online Report and Going to a Police Station? Which Should You Choose?

The legal effect is the same, but each option suits a different situation. Filing through thaipoliceonline.go.th is suitable when your evidence is complete and you want to begin immediately. Going to a police station is better for a complex case or one involving several victims because you can speak directly with an investigator. A technology-related crime can be reported at any local police station.

Can You Still File a Police Report After Deleting the Seller’s Chat or Listing?

Yes. Transfer slips and bank statements can still be obtained from the bank. Missing chats may be partially recovered through notification emails, screenshots sent to friends, or browsing history. Missing some pieces of evidence does not remove your right to file a report.

How Much Money Must Be Lost Before You Can File a Police Report?

There is no minimum amount. You can file a report regardless of the loss. The more important concern is the three-month period for filing a complaint. See the section above on the minimum amount for more details.

Can You Recover Money After Being Scammed While Buying Online?

There is no guarantee. The chance of recovery depends on how quickly the bank was notified, whether the money remains in the receiving account, and whether the recipient can be identified and traced. See the section on recovering money from an online scam for more details.

What Should a Seller Do If a Buyer Sends a Fake Transfer Slip?

Do not treat an image of a transfer slip as confirmation of payment. Open the banking application and verify that the money has actually entered the account before shipping the item.

If the item has already been sent and the money never arrived, preserve the fake slip, chat history, and delivery receipt, then file a police report using the same process available to a defrauded buyer.

How Can a Seller Prove Delivery If the Buyer Claims the Item Never Arrived?

Use the delivery receipt showing the tracking number and destination, the carrier’s delivery status showing the successful delivery date and time, and the buyer’s written confirmation of the address.

For an in-person transaction, use evidence that the item was handed over. If the parcel was lost in transit, open a case with the delivery company first, as this is different from being defrauded.

Is Cash on Delivery Safer Than Paying in Advance?

It is safer in the sense that you do not pay before the parcel arrives, but it does not prevent every type of fraud. You normally pay when receiving the parcel, not after inspecting the contents. If you use cash on delivery, record an uninterrupted video while opening the parcel.

How Much Does Inspecting an Item in Person Reduce the Risk?

It can reduce the risk significantly because you see both the item and the seller before making payment. This is particularly suitable for large second-hand items such as cars, motorcycles, furniture, and electrical appliances.

Meet in a busy public place with CCTV coverage. For a high-value transaction, avoid going alone.