CRIME

A woman accused of running an online scam selling Furby robotic toys has been arrested.

Chonnikan: Denies running scam

Police launched the investigation after several buyers complained to the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) on Thursday about paying for the toys without ever receiving them.

Police yesterday arrested Chonnikan Taichilasasoontorn, who allegedly used a 16-year-old girl to post adverts on Instagram offering the toys for 2,990 baht each. The market price for a Furby toy is 5,500 baht.

At least 52 buyers ordered toys through the girl, many placing bulk orders. Buyers reported placing orders totalling around 7 million baht. None were delivered.

Ms Chonnikan, 27, was questioned by police on Thursday. They allege that she is an accomplice in the scam. She denied running the scheme and said the money had been transferred to the "real seller".

The Criminal Court eventually granted Ms Chonnikan bail of 1.7 million baht, despite opposition from investigators.

The court also approved a warrant for the arrest of Kanchana Jabang, who has also been linked to the scam.

Nantawan Wangsantiporn, manager at Map Active (Thailand), the legitimate Furby distributor in Thailand, said the company will file complaints against people who import the toys in large quantities for sale.

Tassanee Nanudon of the Consumer Protection Foundation said consumers should keep all documents and messages related to their online purchases as evidence in case of similar scams.

CSD deputy chief Prasopchok Prommoon yesterday said the number of the online scam victims had increased from 40 to 52 people.