The British Foreign Office issued a warning to each UK residents and expats in Thailand a couple of passport scam that’s presently focusing on British nationals within the kingdom.
Fraudsters try to capitalize on the current strikes by government workers in the UK, which have brought about delays in passport renewals, by promising to bypass the three-month ready interval for a charge.
The rip-off includes faux web sites resembling UK-renewpassport.web and emails from similar-named sources promising to expedite the passport renewal course of via worldwide cash switch programs like Western Union, Pattaya Mail reported.
The British International Workplace is advising British nationals in Thailand who wish to renew their passports to not fall right into a lure and deal solely with licensed utility centres in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
The scams in Thailand are much like these already recognized by the Chartered Buying and selling Requirements Institute (CTSI) within the UK, the place many Brits have been tricked into believing they’ll get bargain-basement air tickets or low-cost international holidays. Nevertheless, in Thailand, the scams seem to focus on expat Brits who particularly wish to renew their passports rapidly.
The CTSI stated…
“This rip-off has arisen as folks attempt to bypass the inevitable delays, however paying cash on-line for particular favours is a recipe for catastrophe.”
The British International Workplace web site confirms that there isn’t a fast-track service obtainable abroad. The price of an grownup renewal is presently £127.51 (5,500 baht) for 34 pages and £138.51 for 50 pages, inclusive of courier charges. Native employees in Thailand will examine the required paperwork earlier than transferring and returning the unique documentation to the applicant.
Whereas it’s not unlawful to make use of a consultant or company to submit a passport utility in Thailand, candidates should be selective in whom they belief.
British nationals residing in Thailand and UK residents needs to be cautious of those fast-track passport scams and solely cope with licensed utility centres. Whereas it could be tempting to pay a charge to expedite the passport renewal course of, it is very important do not forget that there isn’t a fast-track service obtainable abroad, and paying cash on-line for particular favours just isn’t a secure or dependable choice.