Avoid Thai Girlfriend Scams: Tips from Private Investigators
August 20, 2024 - Reading time: 15 minutes
Updated: May 3, 2025
Overview of Thai Dating Scams
In recent years, romance scams have surged dramatically. As a leading detective agency, we frequently encounter cases involving dating or romance scams which involve Thai ladies (or ladyboys or men). Many clients seek our help to help verify their loved one's story or to help trace those who have deceived them.
While tracing scammers is a crucial service, it can often prove fruitless or futile. We firmly believe that prevention is better than cure. Conducting thorough checks early in a relationship can save you from the distress and financial loss associated with scams. If you have any doubts about your partner, then we recommend taking steps to verify their identity as soon as possible.
Most Common Types of Thai Dating Scams
Here are some prevalent Thai dating scams that you should be aware of:
1. Fake Identity ('Catfishing') Scams
Scammers often use stolen identities to deceive victims. They might use photos of others, including friends, relatives, or images from the internet. Many scammers pretend to be Thai women but might not be female or even located in Thailand. These fraudsters are skilled at creating convincing personas, so it's crucial to be cautious.
While most people would never suspect that they could fall victim to this type of scam, it's important to remember that professional scammers are just that - professionals. They know exactly the type of questions you might ask in order to verify their story or check they are real. Pulling the mask off someone that is using a fake identity may prove more difficult than you anticipate, and many victims never suspect that they are being lied to.
Tip: Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. If you must send money, let us verify their story first to protect yourself.
2. Multiple Boyfriends Scam
In this scam, some Thai women maintain multiple relationships with foreign men, who each provide varying levels of financial support. This scam can involve regular money transfers, lavish gifts, or even just expensive vacations.
The 'Thai girlfriend scam' of having multiple boyfriends is common with ladies that work in bars or other nightlife venues, as they regularly spend intimate time with foreign men. However, with the advent of internet dating, it can be easy for attractive women to find boyfriends regardless of their workplace or lifestyle.
If a lady is taking advantage of you for money, then don't expect her to start demanding cash straight off the bat... Most will endeavour to play 'the long game', building up a relationship over many months/years, and might never ask you for money directly. Instead, a situation will eventually present itself where you feel obliged to help out.
3. "Help, I’m in Jail!" Scam
A common tactic in romance scams is for the lady to claim that she has been arrested and that she urgently needs money for bail, or to pay a fine, or for legal representation. This tactic is often accompanied by convincing photos of the lady sitting in a cell or in a police station. She may even video call from inside a cell in order to 'seal the deal' and convince her boyfriend to send cash from overseas.
We are often asked to investigate such claims, which can involve us physically visiting the police station or jail in order to locate the subject and gather information. In most cases we find that the lady is nowhere to be found.
4. Fake University Student Scam
Some scammers pose as university students to attract victims. They may use photos taken at a university or borrow work uniforms to create a false impression. Their true occupation may be far from what they claim.
Ladies that work in adult entertainment venues such as bars are aware that their profession will be off-putting to most foreigners. Claiming to be a university student or to have a respectable job can help to attract men that are seeking a serious relationship long term relationship; only once he is in love with her and fully emotionally invested does the truth come to light.
5. The Ladyboy Scam
While it is true that many guys are attracted to Thai ladyboys and seek out relationships with them; some scammers might be transgender individuals who can appear very convincing. Advanced cosmetic procedures and hormones can make it challenging to distinguish them from biological women; and it can be easy for them to take advantage of that by forging relationships with men without revealing their gender at birth.
This point might seem farfetched, but we have worked on numerous cases where the subject of the investigation was found to have lied about their gender. We can help verify the gender of your partner through our background check service.
6. Hospital Emergency Scam
Previously one of the most common cons—though now overtaken by the pregnancy scam—the hospital emergency scam remains an emotionally manipulative and effective tactic used to extract money.
In this scam, the woman suddenly claims to be hospitalised and in urgent need of funds to cover medical bills. The message is usually delivered with a sense of panic or desperation.
As with many scams, the claim is often supported by some form of 'proof'—typically photos of her in a hospital bed, or in a clinic room that resembles a hospital. These images are usually accompanied by distressed voice or video calls to create a sense of urgency and emotional pressure.
If the man has developed genuine feelings for her, it's not uncommon for him to wire funds immediately to help with what he believes are real medical expenses. Sadly, in most cases, there is no emergency—just a well-rehearsed lie.
7. The Thai Girl Pregnancy Scam
A positive pregnancy test beside a note reading “You are going to be a dad” can be a powerful emotional hook—and unfortunately, it's a common tactic used in scams.
In this scenario, after intimate contact, the woman claims to be pregnant, often to extract money for supposed medical care or to strengthen the emotional bond with the victim. This deception can drag on for months, typically ending with an “unexpected miscarriage” and emotional pleas for continued support.
Most decent men won’t abandon a woman who says she’s carrying their child—and many women know this, especially those working in the nightlife industry who may feel less desirable as long-term partners. If the woman you’re involved with is working in a bar or similar venue, we strongly recommend reading our article on the reality of dating a Thai bar girl.
When the alleged miscarriage occurs, she may appear traumatised and distraught, using tears and guilt to deepen the emotional tie. For many men, this makes it even harder to walk away.
Important Note:
We cannot directly confirm whether a woman is pregnant. Medical records in Thailand are private and inaccessible without the individual’s consent. However, there are still steps you can take:
- We can conduct surveillance to observe her lifestyle—for instance, whether she’s attending medical appointments, avoiding alcohol, or behaving in a way consistent with pregnancy.
- We offer comprehensive background checks that may reveal hidden relationships, red flags, or a pattern of similar behaviour.
- If you suspect she’s being unfaithful or dishonest, our Thai lady investigations service is tailored for cases involving suspected cheating or manipulation.
If you're concerned about the situation, it's important to act quickly. Contact us to explore your options and avoid being taken advantage of.
How to Protect Yourself from Dating & Romance Scams
1. Never Send Money Without Meeting in Person
Scammers often create urgent situations to request money. Always meet in person before sending any funds. If meeting is not feasible, then we can verify their story by conducting an investigation.
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Scammers use personal information to manipulate and deceive. Keep your private details secure and be cautious about what you share online. Don't reveal details about your finances or assets early on in a relationship.
3. Understand Your Partner's Financial Situation
If you're dating a lady from Thailand, then it would be a good idea to try to gain some understanding of her finances... Is she in debt? Is she a gambler? Is she responsible for supporting children or other family members?
Due to the Thai concept of 'saving face', you might find that it is difficult to get a true answer, especially if your partner is struggling with money. In some cases the lady would prefer to falsely claim to be in jail or in hospital, rather than explain to her boyfriend that she is in debt or urgently needs money for family expenses.
4. Use Video Calls
Regular video calls can help verify your partner’s identity. Ensure they match their photos and remember previous conversations you've had with them. Check how well they can speak English. Watch out for AI or pre-recorded footage.
Although we suggest using video calls, don't place too much emphasis on this point... We have seen cases where a lady will call her boyfriend from the hotel room of another man, by sitting in front of a plain white wall and claiming that she's at home. If the guy is a customer then he is unlikely to care and might even find it funny to listen in on her conversation.
5. Arrange a Physical Meeting
No matter how much you communicate online, there is no substitute for spending quality time together. If you are serious about a relationship with a Thai lady, then meeting in person as soon as possible should be a priority.
Meeting up in Thailand will allow you to see the lady's lifestyle and that of her family first hand. It will also allow you to understand how she lives and learn whether you are truly compatible whilst living together.
6. Hire a Professional Investigator
For comprehensive protection, consider hiring a private investigator. We are a leading firm of private investigators located in Thailand. We specialise in uncovering Thai girlfriend scams and can verify claims to save you from potential fraud.
Did you know? If you are in a relationship with a Thai lady that is currently married, then under Thai law you could be sued by her husband. Social media posts and messages can be used to prove a relationship in court. We can help to check your girlfriend's marital status and marriage/divorce history as part of our background check services.
In many cases handled by us, our client would never know that they were being duped had they not decided to hire us. We can often save our clients more money than we charge in professional fees; not to mention wasted time and heartache. Visit our homepage to learn more about us and the different services that we offer - or feel free to continue reading our blog for more free information and insights.
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