A Devastating Loss for Two State Workers
Two state enterprise employees have come forward as victims of the notorious iCon Group scam, collectively losing a staggering 18 million baht. Alongside 102 other victims, the pair filed complaints with the authorities, hoping to bring justice to their financial ordeal.
How It All Began: False Promises and Misleading Advertisements
Piromna’s Story – Lured by a Low-Cost Online Course
Piromna, a 32-year-old state worker, recounted how her journey with the scam began during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. She came across an enticing advertisement for a course on creating online content, priced at just 29 baht. Seeing the opportunity as affordable, she quickly enrolled.
Initially, the course seemed legitimate, focusing on content creation. However, as the lessons progressed, they started introducing product sales, particularly collagen and coffee. Enticed by promises of better health and immunity, Piromna purchased products for personal use and even ordered a central stock worth 24,000 baht to sell. However, the expensive products had low demand, and her anticipated earnings never materialized.
Pitipat’s Story – A Cooperative Loan Gone Wrong
Pitipat, a 49-year-old colleague, shared a similar experience. After seeing a TV advertisement for a 95-baht video creation course, she signed up. The course led her to a Zoom training session where participants were urged to join The iCon Group, especially if they lacked products to sell.
Believing in the promise of 100% profit, Pitipat took out a cooperative loan from her workplace, totaling 300,000 baht. Motivated by claims that the profits could become a legacy for her descendants, she invested 250,000 baht in products like vitamin C and coffee. Unfortunately, the high price of these items meant they didn’t sell, leaving her with unsellable stock and mounting debt.
The Financial and Emotional Toll
Piromna’s Struggles to Recover
Over two years, Piromna tried her best to distribute and sell the products. However, the steep prices meant customers were hard to find. Despite her efforts, the anticipated income never materialized. The financial strain took its toll, and Piromna eventually joined the 102 other victims in reporting the fraud to the authorities.
Pitipat’s Emotional Breakdown
Pitipat’s losses were even more significant. With her house now filled with expired products and debts piling up, she fell into a deep depression. She even contemplated suicide as a result of the overwhelming stress. Fortunately, her friends and family offered her support during this difficult time, though some people in her life contributed to her distress.
Seeking Justice – Filing the Police Complaint
For both Piromna and Pitipat, reporting the scam to the police was their final hope for financial restitution. They presented evidence of money transfers and related documents, hoping that authorities would take action against the perpetrators.
Pitipat Reflects on the Scam
Looking back on the experience, Pitipat described it as the most expensive lesson of her life. “I believed in the potential profits from selling the products, so I took out a cooperative loan. Now, I’m left with a house full of expired products and crippling debt,” she shared. “But the support of friends and family has kept me going.”
Conclusion: The Importance of Vigilance in Online Ventures
The story of Piromna and Pitipat serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online business opportunities, especially those promising quick profits. The iCon Group scam highlights the importance of thorough research and skepticism when dealing with unknown entities. As the victims await justice, their experience underscores the need for stronger consumer protection in the digital age.
