Bangkok: The Consumer Council has taken action against mobile phone companies OPPO and Realme, filing a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division. The complaint alleges that the companies installed high-interest loan apps on their devices, and the victims are urging the companies to disclose the ownership of these applications. The issue came to light when victims reported an increase in online gambling-like game apps appearing after software updates.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phatthakorn Thipbunrat, Deputy Head of Consumer Protection and Protection at the Consumer Council, Mr. Pornwut Pipatthanadet, Head of Policy and Innovation, and Mr. Jinna Yaem-uam, a lawyer, led a group of victims to file the complaint. The complaint targets OPPO and Realme for embedding illegal loan apps in phones, which allegedly violate consumer protection laws. There are currently about 192 victims who have lodged complaints, with damages totaling approximately 15 million baht, stemming from personal data violations and illegal debt collection practices.
The victims disclosed that payments for loans were made through a mule account linked to an overseas network. Saenpay Company, a Thai entity, was identified as the recipient of these debt payments. The Consumer Council, represented by Mr. Jinna, is seeking both criminal and civil legal actions. The council aims to safeguard consumer rights and find solutions to assist and compensate the affected individuals. Legal action is planned against all involved parties, although specific names remain undisclosed. It was revealed that the app's trademark owner resides abroad, but a Thai representative registered it locally.
Software updates have resulted in the appearance of unwanted apps, prompting victims to consider civil action. The mobile phone companies have yet to clarify their compensation plans for the victims. Concerns have been raised about potential data breaches involving call center gangs. OPPO is urged to disclose the loan app's ownership, as failure to do so may implicate them as accomplices.
Mr. Prawut expressed concerns over the loan app issue, emphasizing the illegal interest rates and the role of platforms like the App Store and Play Store in failing to monitor app access to personal information. Factory-installed apps are seen as a violation of consumer rights. Despite OPPO's swift updates for business applications, their response to resolving consumer issues has been slower.
Mr. Patipon, a 31-year-old private business owner and victim, shared his experience with an OPPO Reno 11F phone. He discovered apps like FinEasy and 'Happy Borrowing' pre-installed and additional gambling-like games after a software update. He criticized the pre-installation of such apps, asserting that consumers should have the right to choose their apps.
Pol. Lt. Col. Prinya Pala, Deputy Superintendent (Investigation) of Division 1, Consumer Protection Police Division, has received the case for further consideration and action.