LINE whoscall and Gogolook Co Ltd Team Up with Thailand’s CCIB to Combat Online Scams Targeting Women
In an era where digital connectivity is both a boon and a bane, the rise of cybercrime has become a significant concern globally. Thailand is no exception, witnessing a surge in online scams, particularly targeting women and the elderly. To address this growing menace, Gogolook Co Ltd, the developer of the Whoscall app, has joined forces with Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) to launch a Mother’s Day campaign aimed at protecting families from online scammers. This initiative underscores the importance of safeguarding loved ones from unsolicited calls and messages that often lead to financial and emotional distress.
The campaign’s primary focus is on educating the public about the various tactics employed by online scammers. It includes an educational video featuring real-life stories of victims and offers actionable steps for protection. One of the key recommendations is to download the Whoscall app, which provides features such as automatic spam call blocking and SMS filtering. The app also offers a premium service, and as part of the campaign, Whoscall is giving away 500,000 free two-month premium codes using the code ‘whoscallsavemom’. This initiative not only aims to protect individuals but also empowers them with the tools needed to combat online fraud.
Cybercrime statistics in Thailand paint a grim picture, with over 575,500 cases reported, resulting in damages exceeding 65.715 billion baht. Alarmingly, 64% of these cases target women aged 30-60, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions. Monprapa Rattanakanokporn, the country marketing lead of Gogolook Thailand, emphasized the critical role of awareness and education in preventing online scams. She pointed out that seniors are particularly vulnerable due to their financial assets and lesser familiarity with technology, making them prime targets for scammers.
The collaboration between Whoscall and the CCIB is a testament to the app’s popularity and effectiveness in Thailand. By launching an educational awareness video and offering a free premium code, the campaign aims to raise vigilance among the public. Pol. Lt. Col. Dr. Purimphat Thanaphansiri, deputy superintendent of police, Division 4, CCIB, noted that while younger generations are more adept at recognizing and combating scams, this awareness does not extend to mothers and the elderly. Therefore, initiatives like this are crucial in bridging the knowledge gap and providing much-needed protection to vulnerable groups.
Online investment scams have emerged as one of the most damaging forms of cybercrime in Thailand, with accumulated losses surpassing 70 billion baht. The sophistication of these scams necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity. The partnership between Whoscall and the CCIB comes at a crucial time, aiming to safeguard communities and protect the most vulnerable citizens. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both entities, the campaign seeks to create a safer digital environment for all.
In a parallel effort, the Thai government has launched a ‘digital vaccine’ initiative to increase public immunity against cyber threats. This initiative, led by Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong, involves eleven key agencies working together to produce public relations media aimed at raising awareness about cyber threats. The goal is to educate the public on how to stay safe in the digital era, addressing the increasing sophistication of technology-related crimes.
The ‘digital vaccine’ initiative focuses on creating informative materials that provide insights into online threats, prevention methods, and response strategies. These materials will be disseminated through the communication channels of all partner agencies, including the Royal Thai Police, Department of Special Investigation, Public Relations Department, and the Bank of Thailand. The initiative aims to enhance digital literacy and reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber threats, aligning with the government’s digital security policy.
One of the significant challenges addressed by the ‘digital vaccine’ campaign is the use of mule accounts by scammers to evade detection. These accounts are used to receive money from victims, making it difficult for authorities to trace the perpetrators. By educating the public about such tactics and encouraging vigilance, the initiative hopes to protect citizens from falling prey to cybercriminals. The cooperation among various agencies is crucial in effectively combating cyber threats and ensuring a safer digital landscape for all.
The Thai government’s proactive approach to combating cybercrime is further exemplified by the ‘digital vaccine’ campaign’s focus on susceptible groups such as the youth, elderly, and people living in rural areas. These groups are often targeted due to their lack of familiarity with digital technologies and the internet. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape securely, the campaign aims to reduce their vulnerability to online scams and threats.
In addition to public education, the ‘digital vaccine’ campaign emphasizes the importance of reliable information and secure online practices. The government and its partners are working together to create a safer and more secure online environment for the public. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to promoting cybersecurity and keeping the public informed about potential risks. It is an important step towards protecting individuals and organizations from cyber threats and ensuring the safety of citizens in the digital realm.
The ‘digital vaccine’ campaign also addresses the issue of fake news and distorted information, particularly related to the government’s digital wallet scheme. With 25 million people already registered for the program, scammers have seized the opportunity to trick people into registering through fake social media platforms. By improving communication efficiency and ensuring information reliability, the campaign aims to protect people from financial and personal losses caused by such scams.
Overall, the combined efforts of Whoscall, the CCIB, and the Thai government reflect a comprehensive approach to combating cybercrime and protecting vulnerable groups from online scams. Through education, awareness, and the provision of practical tools, these initiatives aim to create a safer digital environment for all. As technology continues to evolve, such proactive measures are essential in safeguarding individuals and communities from the ever-present threat of cybercrime.