Bangkok: The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has issued a warning to the public about a fraudulent scheme involving fake LINE accounts that impersonate MEA officials. This scam involves tricking users into sharing their screens before the scammers impersonate a bank, potentially compromising personal and financial information.
According to Thai News Agency, the MEA has received reports of impostors contacting individuals through telephone calls, fake LINE accounts, and even in-person visits. These scammers claim that faulty electricity meters have been identified by meter readers and offer a free replacement as part of their deception. They use convincing language, procedures, and documents to mimic MEA's operations, providing personal details such as names and addresses to gain trust.
The scammers go further by requesting documents, meter replacements, or "meter warranty certificates," encouraging individuals to add them as friends on fake LINE accounts. Victims are then asked to share screenshots or click on links, leading to potential leaks of sensitive information. MEA warns that knowing your personal details does not authenticate their identity as MEA officials.
MEA has clarified that it does not contact citizens through personal LINE accounts for activities like phone screen sharing, viewing notifications, granting app permissions, revealing passwords or OTP codes, or conducting financial transactions. The Smart Meter replacement program is entirely free and does not require phone or bank transactions.
The official MEA LINE account is named 'MEA Connect,' with the LINE ID: @MEAthailand, and includes a green Verified shield symbol. MEA advises against judging the authenticity of an account by its name, profile picture, or logo, as these can be easily replicated by scammers.
MEA urges individuals to terminate conversations with anyone claiming to change electricity meters and verify with MEA directly. Do not share electricity bills or personal information with unknown accounts, avoid clicking on links, installing applications, or sharing screens. For verification, request identification from anyone visiting your premises and contact the MEA Contact Center at 1130, which is available 24 hours a day.