Woman Loses 8,000 baht in Pattaya Rental Scam

2026-03-04 - 03:53

PATTAYA — 3 March 2026, A 20-year-old woman has filed a police complaint after being allegedly duped out of more than 8,000 baht in a rental scam in South Pattaya. At 23:30, Amornrat Hathaisong reported the incident to investigators at Pattaya City Police Station in Chonburi province. Amornrat told police she had been searching for accommodation in the South Pattaya area when she saw a Facebook advertisement offering a room for 3,500 baht per month. She contacted a person using the Line ID “Hia Tee Pattaya” to enquire about the property. According to her statement, the individual provided details of the monthly rent and utility costs and said more than 8,000 baht was required upfront to move in. Believing the offer to be genuine, she transferred a total of 8,380 baht as requested before travelling to inspect the room. However, upon arrival, she was unable to contact the alleged landlord and could not gain access to the property. Local residents told her that at least 10 other people had fallen victim to a similar scam. Amornrat subsequently lodged a formal complaint, urging others seeking rental accommodation to verify properties directly with building owners before transferring any money. Police said they had recorded her statement and documented the complaint as evidence. Officers are investigating the bank account that received the transfer and will summon the account holder for questioning to establish the facts of the case.