German Engineer Reports $700 “Miracle” Hair Growth Scam in Pattaya

PATTAYA — A German industrial engineer has filed a police report after being scammed out of hundreds of dollars for what was promised to be a “miraculous” herbal hair growth treatment, local authorities said Thursday.

The victim, identified as 57-year-old Mr. Yilmaz, approached investigators at the Pattaya City Police Station in Chonburi province. He reported that he was deceived into purchasing two jars of herbal supplements for over 22,000 baht (approximately $708).

According to investigators, Yilmaz was walking near Pattaya Beach Road Soi 13/2 on the night of December 24 when he was approached by a foreign man. The suspect allegedly struck up a conversation and made extravagant claims about a specialized hair tonic capable of regenerating hair on a bald scalp.

A 57-year-old German tourist displays a photo on his smartphone of the herbal supplements he was allegedly tricked into buying. The victim claims the products were sold under the false promise of miraculous hair regeneration.

Yilmaz admitted to police that he was convinced by the sales pitch and followed the man to a nearby herbal shop. Upon returning home and inspecting the product, he realized it lacked any of the promised properties and was grossly overpriced.

The incident follows a string of similar scams in the seaside resort city. Local authorities have previously warned of organized groups, often identified as Pakistani nationals, who target foreign tourists in major entertainment districts.

The “bait-and-switch” tactic typically involves befriending a tourist, offering “miracle” supplements, and leading them into specific shops to finalize high-priced transactions.

Pattaya police officers interview a 57-year-old German industrial engineer at the Pattaya City Police Station on Dec. 25, 2025. The man filed a formal complaint after being scammed out of more than $700 for “miracle” hair growth supplements.

Law enforcement officials noted that while many tourists report such crimes, legal proceedings often stall because the victims must return to their home countries. In cases where the victim remains in Thailand, police have successfully raided suspect shops and forced owners to issue refunds, though many shops reportedly resume the predatory practices shortly after.

The engineering professional is not the first victim of the scheme this year. On November 12, another German tourist, 52-year-old Mr. Nadir, filed a complaint after being tricked into paying €4,000 ($4,400) for “miraculous” herbal coconut oil under similar circumstances.

Community leaders and local businesses are now calling for stricter enforcement and more rigorous inspections of herbal outlets to protect the city’s tourism reputation and prevent further visitors from falling prey to the scam.

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