Phuket on Edge as Fake Pound Scam Targets Exchange Booths
A wave of counterfeit British pound notes sweeps through Phuket’s Patong district, leaving exchange booth operators and police scrambling for answers.
Mystery Foreigner Tricks Patong Staff With Fake Pounds
The main keyword, “fake pound scam,” dominates headlines as a mysterious foreign man targets multiple exchange booths in Patong. Staff unwittingly swap genuine Thai Baht for forged British notes, with losses nearing 40,000 Baht.
The “Phuket Times” Facebook page issues a stark warning, sharing a photo of the suspect and urging all exchange operators to remain vigilant. “He came to my shop in Chalong, but I refused the exchange,” one employee comments online. Another adds, “Last night he tried to swap pounds in Saiyuan, but I spotted the fakes.”
Operators Build Their Own Warning Network
Exchange workers quickly band together, sharing alerts and experiences on social media. Their informal network helps prevent further losses, but the scammer continues to move between districts.
Despite the mounting damage, many wonder why police were not contacted immediately. The suspect’s systematic approach raises concerns about wider criminal activity.
Police Hunt Intensifies as Public Demands Action
So far, authorities have not made an arrest. Online, calls grow for police to act before the man escapes Phuket. Some users even blame Thailand’s visa-free policy, claiming it attracts more foreign criminals.
Counterfeit currency is not new to Thailand’s tourist hotspots. Earlier this year, police arrested two foreign women for passing fake US dollars near Cape Panwa. In June, an American was caught with counterfeit bills in Pattaya.
Why This Fake Pound Scam Stands Out
Unlike the more common fake US dollar cases, this scam focuses on British pounds—a currency less familiar to local staff. “Many employees are not trained to spot fake pounds,” an expert warns.
Specialists advise using UV lamps and counterfeit detection pens, especially for large transactions or unknown customers.
Police Race Against Time
Phuket police are now urgently searching for the suspect, whose image is displayed in exchange booths across the island. If caught, he faces severe punishment, as Thailand enforces strict penalties for counterfeiting.
Until then, exchange operators remain on high alert. The fake pound scam could strike again at any moment.