Did you know…
In 2024 alone, people across Asia lost over $688.42 billion USD to investment scams, and among those victims were Thais themselves. (Source: Global Anti-Scam Alliance – 2024 Asia Scam Report)
This isn't a distant problem, as many might think.
If you're still unsure where to start, we've compiled everything you need to know in How to Choose a Forex Broker 2025: Complete Guide for Investors.
But in this article, we'll take you through 10 warning signs gathered from real experiences of victims who lost everything, so you can avoid making the same mistakes in time.
Shocking Facts from Real Cases in Thailand
Forex Investment Case with Over 6,000 Victims
Remember the case involving a female YouTuber with a large online following who was accused of persuading people to invest in Forex trading by promising high returns?
According to news reports, over 6,000 people filed complaints as victims, with total damages of approximately 1.8 billion baht (about $55 million USD). (Source: Finance Magnates, August 2022)
Based on media reports, the accused posted a video on Instagram in May stating she owed investors 1 billion baht, claiming the broker had suspended her account since March. The case is currently under police investigation.
The Forex-3D Case with Court Verdict
Another important lesson comes from the Forex-3D case, which had numerous victims with damages worth several billion baht. The court sentenced 3 offenders to 49,125 years in prison each, the longest prison sentence ever handed down (Source: BrokersView and The Nation Thailand, 2022-2024)
Several celebrities were called in as suspects in this case, including stars and entertainment industry figures, some of whom have been acquitted by the court.
Statistics That Should Alert You
Recent reports from 2024-2025 reveal:
- Southeast Asia loses up to $43.8 billion USD annually to online fraud, accounting for 40% of the combined GDP of Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar (Source: United States Institute of Peace and CSIS Report 2024)
- Americans were scammed by criminal gangs in Southeast Asia, losing up to $10 billion USD in 2024, a 66% increase from the previous year (Source: U.S. Department of Treasury, January 2025)
- 58.2% of Thai people are most concerned about online investment scams in the region, as Thailand serves as a major gateway for human trafficking operations forcing people to work in scam call centers. (Source: State of Southeast Asia 2024 Survey Report)
10 Warning Signs You Must Know
1. No License or Fake License Claims
Warning Sign: Legitimate brokers must be licensed by Thailand's SEC or credible foreign regulatory bodies.
The Bank of Thailand clearly warns that Forex trading without a license from the Ministry of Finance is illegal, as was the case with Forex-3D operators who had no legal license (Source: Bank of Thailand, September 2022)
How to Verify: Visit the SEC website to check the list of licensed brokers.
2. Guaranteed Unusually High Returns
Warning Sign: If someone tells you investments will definitely yield 20-30% monthly returns with no risk.
Remember: Every investment carries risk. The higher the return, the higher the risk. This is the iron law of investing.
3. Unsolicited Contact (Cold Calls)
Warning Sign: Receiving phone calls, SMS, emails, or social media messages from strangers inviting you to invest.
Most cases start this way, especially "pig butchering" scams that begin with building relationships through dating apps or social media. (Source: U.S. Secret Service and FinCEN Alert, 2023-2024)
4. Pressure for Quick Decisions
Warning Sign: Being told "this promotion is only for today" or "hurry, closing in 5 minutes."
Scammers often create pressure for quick decisions because if given time to think, you might spot the flaws.
5. Incomplete or Suspicious Documentation
Warning Sign:
- No prospectus available
- Documents with spelling errors or strange grammar
- Multiple fonts used in a single document
- URLs or emails using number 1 instead of letter l, or 0 instead of O
6. Requests to Transfer Money to Personal Accounts
Warning Sign: Being asked to transfer money to personal accounts rather than company accounts or to pay via gift cards, credit cards, or cryptocurrency.
Legitimate brokers won't allow credit cards or unusual payment methods for investments.
7. Unclear Office Location
Warning Sign:
- Only providing mobile numbers or P.O. boxes as contact
- Meeting anywhere except their office
- Unable to call back, only automated answering machines
8. Names or Logos Similar to Famous Companies
Warning Sign: Using names similar to reputable brokers but with slightly different spelling.
The U.S. SEC warns that scammers often fake websites, using registration numbers, logos, or photos of real brokers to deceive (Source: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission - Investor Alert)
9. Claims of "Secret" or "Insider Information"
Warning Sign: Claiming to have secret formulas, insider information, or special AI systems that guarantee profits.
Remember that using insider information for investment is illegal, and there's no secret formula that guarantees 100% profits.
10. Unable to Withdraw or Strange Conditions
Warning Sign:
- Must pay fees before withdrawal
- Must recruit friends to invest before withdrawal
- System frequently down, unusually long withdrawal delays
Complaints on international websites show victims unable to withdraw funds from certain brokers and being pressured to continue trading instead of approving withdrawals.
Don't Think You're Too Smart to Be Scammed
Many victims are well-educated, experienced people, but criminals use increasingly sophisticated deepfake and AI technology.
In 2023-2024, the Asia-Pacific region saw a 1,530% increase in deepfake fraud! (Source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime Report, January 2024)
Key Takeaway to Remember
"If it looks too good to be true, it probably isn't true."
Good investments take time, knowledge, and patience. There are no shortcuts to wealth.
Think carefully before your account balance becomes another statistic in next year's $688 billion loss figure.
Don't let greed cloud your judgment
References: Bank of Thailand (BOT), Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC), Global Anti-Scam Alliance 2024 Report, U.S. Department of Treasury 2025, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and reports from credible news sources