Cyber Police Sound Alarm: Is the Jagat App an Unseen Danger?

The thrill of treasure hunting has captivated many, but the Jagat app may not be the safest way to pursue your passion. Cyber police have issued a strong warning to users of this location-sharing app about the potential legal and safety risks associated with searching for virtual Jagat coins, which can be redeemed for cash rewards.

Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwpan, the commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, raised the alarm on Wednesday, highlighting that users seeking to uncover these physical coins could inadvertently find themselves trespassing on private property. This violation doesn’t come without consequences; offenders could face up to five years in prison and hefty fines reaching up to 100,000 baht!

Beyond legal repercussions, users are also putting their personal safety on the line. The sharing of location data might expose users to criminals looking to exploit this information. "It’s a dangerous game," warned the cyber police chief, noting that several app users have already trespassed on private lands and left undesirable messes in public spaces while searching for the elusive coins, which can net rewards ranging from 500 to 200,000 baht.

The app’s safety concerns extend further. Pol Lt Col Wasuthep Jai-in, deputy chief of the Patrol and Special Operations Division, cautioned against the use of the app, suggesting that rewards may originate from dubious sources linked to criminal activities. Users could potentially find themselves under investigation for money laundering, especially since the app traces its origins back to Indonesia, where it is operated by a group of 17 foreign nationals based in Singapore and Vietnam.

Since its launch in Thailand on January 15, locations for these hidden treasures have been reportedly scattered across major cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, and Phuket. In response, police are actively investigating the origins of these physical coins and are preparing to take swift action against those involved.

As the hunt intensifies, Pol Maj Gen Worawit Yanachinda, commander of the Patrol and Special Operations Division, has ordered a ramp-up of patrols to safeguard both potential victims and prevent unlawful acts stemming from Jagat coin searches. He emphasized that users are required to pay for hints regarding the coin’s whereabouts, which has led to crowds swarming areas like Silom in Bangkok, wreaking havoc for local residents and businesses.

Moreover, Pol Maj Gen Worawit has issued a stern warning to younger treasure hunters about the risks of nighttime excursions, which could make them vulnerable to criminal activity. What began as a 30-day treasure-hunting campaign in Thailand may soon face an abrupt end, with police vigilance escalating in response to the growing concerns surrounding the Jagat app.

Really, is hunting for virtual coins worth the risk? Users are advised to rethink their strategies for cash rewards before plunging headfirst into a potentially dangerous scavenger hunt!