Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau has issued a warning about fake tax refund emails circulating during the current tax filing season. These emails are designed to steal personal and financial information and are targeting both Thai citizens and foreign residents.
The warning, reported by the Bangkok Post, comes at a time when many expats are filing Thai tax returns, often for the first time. Scammers are exploiting this uncertainty by pretending to be official government bodies and pressuring people to act quickly.
How These Tax Refund Scams Usually Work
According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, most of the reported scams follow a similar pattern.
- You receive an email claiming you are due a Thai tax refund.
- The message uses urgent language and warns of a deadline.
- It includes official looking logos and formal wording.
- You are asked to click a link to verify details or claim the refund.
- The link leads to a fake website designed to collect personal data.
- Once information is entered, scammers can immediately misuse it for identity theft or financial fraud.
Why Expats Are Being Targeted
Expats are being targeted because many are unfamiliar with how the Thai tax system works in practice. First time filers may not know whether tax refunds are common or how they are normally handled.
Emails written in English can appear more trustworthy, especially when they look official. Combined with filing deadlines and uncertainty around the rules, this can lead people to act quickly without checking the source.
Scammers rely on confusion and lack of familiarity, not technical tricks.
What The Thai Revenue Department Will Never Do
This is one of the most important things to understand.
The Thai Revenue Department does not send emails or SMS messages with links asking for personal information. It does not request passwords, one time passcodes, or bank details by email or text. It does not threaten penalties or missed refunds through unsolicited messages.
If you receive an email asking you to click a link to confirm tax details or claim a refund, it should be treated as suspicious.
How To Check Tax Refunds Safely
If you believe you may be due a tax refund, there are safe ways to check.
Use only the official Revenue Department website or authorised filing platforms. If you are unsure, speak directly with your accountant or tax adviser. If your return was filed properly through a legitimate process, there is no reason to respond to unexpected emails.
Simple Steps to Protect Yourself
A few basic habits can significantly reduce your risk during filing season:
- Do not click links in unsolicited tax related emails
- Delete suspicious messages immediately
- Do not reply or attempt to engage with the sender
- Report the email as spam or phishing within your email system
Awareness and caution remain your strongest defences.
Remain Vigilant
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau has urged residents to stay alert throughout the tax filing season. Fake tax refund emails are designed to create urgency and exploit uncertainty, especially among expats dealing with an unfamiliar system.
If something feels unexpected or asks for sensitive information, stop and check through official channels. A moment of caution can prevent serious problems later.
