A group of vehicle owners in Pattaya are facing distress and significant financial loss after a car wash named “BB” vanished with their cars and motorcycles. The incident, which came to light on December 7, highlights a growing trend of sophisticated vehicle scams in the area. Victims were lured in with attractive offers for cleaning and repainting services, only to find the shop deserted and their vehicles gone when they went to collect them.
How The ‘BB’ Car Wash Lured its Victims
The “BB” car wash, located in Soi Nong Ket Yai, appeared to be a legitimate and convenient business. The scammers’ method was simple yet effective: they offered promotional prices on services like full repainting to fix minor scratches. This tactic successfully attracted several customers looking for a good deal.
One victim brought in his Benelli 500cc motorcycle, valued at around 200,000 THB, for a simple cleaning. The staff upsold him on a repainting service at a special price. Initially, the shop provided regular updates, building a false sense of trust. After the owner paid the full amount, all communication ceased, and the motorcycle was never returned.
Another customer faced a similar fate with their Mitsubishi Mirage. They were promised high-quality repainting work and even paid extra charges during the process. However, upon their arrival to pick up the car, the shop was completely empty, with all assets removed.
A Deceptive Scheme with Sophisticated Tactics
The masterminds behind the scam used clever tactics to hide their identities and launder the money. Victims were instructed to transfer payments to a bank account that was not registered under the business’s name.
The bank account was registered to a minor, a classic sign of a mule account. This method makes it significantly harder for law enforcement to trace the money and identify the actual perpetrators behind the fraudulent operation. The use of mule accounts is a common strategy in organized financial crimes.
| Scam Detail | Description |
| Location | Soi Nong Ket Yai, Nong Pla Lai, East Pattaya |
| Vehicles Stolen | Benelli 500cc Motorcycle, Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota Yaris |
| Method Used | Offered cleaning and repainting services at promotional prices |
| Payment System | Transfers to a mule bank account under a minor’s name |
Police Investigation and The Community’s Response
Following the reports filed at the Banglamung Police Station, authorities have launched a full-scale investigation. They are working to track the financial transactions and locate the individuals responsible for this elaborate scam. The police are also urging any other potential victims of the “BB” car wash to come forward.
Key steps being taken by the authorities include:
- Tracking the flow of money through the mule bank account.
- Working to locate and recover the stolen vehicles.
- Issuing public warnings to raise awareness about such scams in Pattaya.
The incident has sent a wave of caution through the local community. Legitimate business owners are now concerned about the damage to their reputation, as customers have become more hesitant and distrustful. One nearby shop owner stated, “We work hard to earn our customers’ trust, and incidents like this make it harder for everyone.”
The Human Cost of The Scam
Beyond the financial losses, the scam has had a profound emotional and practical impact on the victims’ lives. For many, their vehicles are not luxuries but essential tools for their daily work and family commitments. The owner of the stolen Benelli motorcycle shared, “I relied on my motorcycle for work and couldn’t afford to lose it.”
The feeling of betrayal is a common theme among those affected. One victim, the owner of a Toyota Yaris, had used the same car wash under previous management and trusted the business. This misplaced trust led to the loss of their car. The victims are left in a state of uncertainty, hoping for justice and the safe return of their property.
