Preventive strategies against Call Center Scam Operations

A case study of Nong Bua Police Station, Nakhon Sawan

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) examine the situation and patterns of telephone fraud committed by call center scam gangs in the jurisdiction of Nong Bua Provincial Police Station, Nakhon Sawan Province, during 2022–2024, 2) analyze risk factors contributing to victimization and 3) develop prevention guidelines appropriate to the local context. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data from a stratified random sample of 400 participants and qualitative data through in-depth interviews with 20 informants, including previous victims of call center scams, at-risk community members, community leaders, local police officers, school teachers or staff, and relevant government officials. Research instruments consisted of a questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and self-protection behaviors, as well as an interview guide. The results showed that individuals aged 31–50 were at the highest risk, with 87% having received calls from call center scam gangs and 12% having become victims. Common scam patterns included impersonating government officials or bank staff, threatening with legal action, or claiming the victim had won a prize in order to coerce them into transferring money or disclosing personal information. Key risk factors were a lack of awareness, fear, psychological pressure, trust in authority, and insufficient information.

Appropriate prevention strategies included organizing community training sessions, establishing community alert networks, developing technological systems such as suspicious phone number databases, disseminating information through local media, and promoting multi-sectoral collaboration to address the issue sustainably.