Fraudulent Condo Rental Scheme in Pattaya Leaves Victims Out Thousands of Baht
Three victims have come forward, warning the public about a condo rental scam in Pattaya, Chonburi, orchestrated by a transgender woman claiming to operate a high-end rental agency. The victims allege they paid large deposits upfront, only to find the accommodations far from what was promised—or, in some cases, to be evicted after just one night.
One victim, referred to as “Jane” (pseudonym), shared her experience of being lured by the scammer’s enticing offer of a beachfront condo with a sea view. Jane initially paid a deposit of 20,000 baht, followed by an additional 44,000 baht upon check-in. Later, she transferred 32,000 baht for an extended stay, bringing her total payment to 96,000 baht.
However, after just one week, Jane was told the water supply in the condo was broken and was asked to relocate temporarily. Attempts to contact the agent for a refund were ignored, leaving her with no recourse.
Other victims recounted similar stories. The scammer reportedly avoided face-to-face meetings, instead sending a substitute to collect payments. Many victims felt pressured to pay the full amount upfront, only to discover that the properties did not match the descriptions or were unavailable after a single night. Requests for refunds were met with excuses, delays, or complete silence.
Local police have launched an investigation into the scheme, with over 10 victims reportedly filing complaints. Many of the victims are foreign tourists, raising concerns that the perpetrator may still be actively targeting unsuspecting travelers.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution when renting properties and to verify agents’ credentials. The incident highlights the need for stricter oversight of rental listings and greater consumer protection, particularly in tourist hotspots like Pattaya.
