Online Charity Scams: Legal Challenges and Law Enforcement Measures for Effective Prevention and Control

Abstract

Online charity scam is a rapidly emerging form of cybercrime in the digital society, exploiting faith, compassion, and the urgency of situations to deceive the public into making donations. This problem not only causes damage to donors but also undermines the credibility of charitable organizations and the protection system for animals or direct victims in need. This article aims to analyze the legal issues and enforcement measures concerning such crimes through a comparative study with the United Kingdom and South Korea. The analysis focuses on the limitations of relevant laws, the regulation and supervision of charitable fundraising, the prescribed penalties, as well as practical aspects of enforcement. The comparative findings indicate that Thai legislation lacks comprehensive and explicit provisions governing the authorization process, procedural requirements for various forms of fundraising, and clearly defined powers for oversight and control, in contrast to the more systematic and detailed legal regimes of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea. Accordingly, this article argues that Thailand should urgently revise and strengthen the Fundraising Control Act to enhance its clarity, coherence, and effectiveness in preventing and suppressing online fundraising fraud. Such legal reform is essential to address the increasingly severe and complex nature of this problem in modern society and to ensure effective protection for both donors and legitimate beneficiaries.