KTC Warns Consumers About Online Accommodation Scams and Urges OTP Verification

Brickinfo News Agency – Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, or KTC, has issued a public warning regarding an increase in online accommodation booking scams. Fraudsters are using sophisticated techniques to manipulate victims into transferring funds or handing over sensitive payment data, which can result in unauthorized financial transactions.

Rywin Voravongsatit, President of the Credit Card Fraud Prevention Club and Head of Operations Control & Merchant Operations at KTC, stated that scammers are expanding beyond fake social media pages and fraudulent websites. Fraudulent schemes now follow a structured three-step process: building trust through fake listings with stolen logos and fabricated reviews, pressuring consumers with limited-time offers to force quick decisions, and tricking victims into using fraudulent payment links or revealing One-Time Passwords (OTPs).

The critical point of risk occurs when consumers are pressured to act quickly under time constraints or lured by unusually low prices. Voravongsatit emphasized that individuals must thoroughly verify payment details before authorizing any transaction. Specifically, consumers should check the merchant name, transaction amount, and currency displayed in OTP notifications to ensure they match the intended purchase. If any discrepancies appear, the OTP must not be entered, and the transaction should be cancelled immediately.

To mitigate the risk of financial fraud, KTC outlines key protective measures for online bookings. Consumers should independently verify hotel addresses and phone numbers through multiple official channels, navigate directly to official websites or applications rather than clicking unverified links, and monitor transaction notifications via mobile banking applications. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the issuing financial institution to block the card and initiate an investigation.