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Iris Scam Alert: Dopa Warns Against Shopping Mall Scans

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image.jpeg

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's Department of Provincial Administration (Dopa) has issued a nationwide warning amidst reports of suspicious iris-scanning devices popping up in shopping malls. Participants are being enticed with cryptocurrency rewards ranging from 500 to 1,000 Thai baht for their biometric data.

 

The alarming scheme involves an orb-like device used for iris scans, with no governmental agency backing this data collection. This has prompted Dopa to instruct village heads to be vigilant and to thwart such activities within their jurisdictions. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is currently probing the potential risks associated with these operations.

 

Deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak highlighted that iris-scanning initiatives are offering participants cryptocurrency valued at up to 1,000 baht within a day. Recruiters benefit too, receiving 500 baht per referral, capped at ten. This approach raises serious concerns over data privacy and security.

 

Anukool warned of the critical nature of iris data, as, unlike passwords, they're immutable and highly susceptible to misuse for identity theft. He pointed out three major risks: data breaches exposing iris codes to hackers, impersonations in monetary dealings, and cybercrimes utilising biometric data for creating deepfakes, according to the Bangkok Post.

 

The global community shares these privacy concerns, with many countries banning iris data collection. Given these risks, citizens are urged to reconsider trading their sensitive biometric data for minor rewards, which could have far-reaching negative impacts.

 

Anyone suspicious of these fraudulent activities should immediately contact local authorities, the Interior Ministry's Damrongdham Centre, or call the hotline at 1567.

 

In summary, while the allure of easy money through iris scanning might attract some, the potential danger and ethical implications of such data breaches serve as a poignant warning. Authorities are taking the necessary steps to safeguard personal data and prevent exploitation.

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-28

 

image.png

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No worries the sheep will be lined up around to block to give up their bio data for 500 baht....

There's one of these iris scanning devices at a shop in the mall near my home in Bangkok. Every time I pass by, Thais are lined up to get themselves scanned, all for a few hundred baht that they will probably never even get.

19 hours ago, redwood1 said:

No worries the sheep will be lined up around to block to give up their bio data for 500 baht....

ONly if they have a cryptocurrency account. Which most people do not. 

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With the current technology, giving out scans of your face, iris or fingerprints, is same as to hand out the key of your house or to give a blank signed cheque to a stranger. 

 

Same scams have been on for years when you place an online order and have to enter your phone details. Many people start getting the scam calls on their phones very often after placing an online order. 

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17 minutes ago, Middle Aged Grouch said:

With the current technology, giving out scans of your face, iris or fingerprints, is same as to hand out the key of your house or to give a blank signed cheque to a stranger. 

 

Same scams have been on for years when you place an online order and have to enter your phone details. Many people start getting the scam calls on their phones very often after placing an online order. 

The phone number for online orders is different as is necessary for the shipping company (Kerry, Postal office, Flash Express) to contact you. 

Thailand earns genuine hub status they can claim 100% 

criminals in asia from Chinese - Korea - vietnamn - and more can operate pretty much uninterupted 

 

 

why do they choose Thailand as base to carry out their illegal scams ?...........I think I know why 

21 hours ago, redwood1 said:

No worries the sheep will be lined up around to block to give up their bio data for 500 baht....

A bit like voting day

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Just how stupid do you have to be to give biometric data to a stranger? even to government and banks is pushing the line, but to a random at a shopping mall? Nuts.

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If so, why the CCIB not take action promptly instead of warning?  

59 minutes ago, msbkk said:

The phone number for online orders is different as is necessary for the shipping company (Kerry, Postal office, Flash Express) to contact you. 

And the necessity of the phone call?! Because the addressing system is so bloody chaotic! My house number is 73, and the houses either side are numbered 221 & 85!? Also, the road has a Soi number and a road name.

Any building in the UK can be found via the house number and the post code. Not sure it is available now, but the details of any address in the UK could be found on the Post Office web site.

It is obvious confusion reigns in Thailand. 

Next time you see people lined up use Google Translate to educate them.  I will guarantee half will probably

get out of the line. We assume that Thai's are educated at Western Levels in cybersecurity but know they are not.

 

Sometimes you don't sit by and watch people fail, sometimes you educate them and what happens after is their decision.

 

Everytime I go visit the girlfriends family I am trying to teach the children Math and using scenarios with misleading info

so they have to think to solve the problem and know what info to dismiss as not required.

Perhaps a bit behind the curve, as biometric data has invariably and voluntarily been proffered by the proletariat, regarding registering a sim or bank account here.

 

Not to mention i.d. cards and passports.

 

Wouldnt it be better to outlaw such practices altogether, instead of issuing warnings to an easily procured, gullible public ?

hahaha.....the Police forgot the latest game arcades who are now offering visual image war games....

All wearing devices that can record your eye and iris....

56 minutes ago, Surasak said:

And the necessity of the phone call?! Because the addressing system is so bloody chaotic! My house number is 73, and the houses either side are numbered 221 & 85!? Also, the road has a Soi number and a road name.

Any building in the UK can be found via the house number and the post code. Not sure it is available now, but the details of any address in the UK could be found on the Post Office web site.

It is obvious confusion reigns in Thailand. 

probably adopted "the Japanese model" as things are similarly messed up there

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20 hours ago, BangkokHank said:

There's one of these iris scanning devices at a shop in the mall near my home in Bangkok. Every time I pass by, Thais are lined up to get themselves scanned, all for a few hundred baht that they will probably never even get.

 

 

Forrest-for-the-Trees-Featured-Image-4110534177.jpg.891e46c7873a9953343edaa68a2f2e11.jpg

3 hours ago, PingRoundTheWorld said:

Just how stupid do you have to be to give biometric data to a stranger? even to government and banks is pushing the line, but to a random at a shopping mall? Nuts.

Almost one for the Darwin Awards, isn't it? 🤬

On 8/28/2025 at 5:57 AM, redwood1 said:

No worries the sheep will be lined up around to block to give up their bio data for 500 baht....

🤣...and they say humans are intelligent! Heah.....sure....🙉

On 8/28/2025 at 10:57 AM, redwood1 said:

No worries the sheep will be lined up around to block to give up their bio data for 500 baht....

They will be in food stalls, roadside, massage parlors and bars soon.

5 hours ago, J Branche said:

Next time you see people lined up use Google Translate to educate them.  I will guarantee half will probably

get out of the line. We assume that Thai's are educated at Western Levels in cybersecurity but know they are not.

 

Sometimes you don't sit by and watch people fail, sometimes you educate them and what happens after is their decision.

 

Everytime I go visit the girlfriends family I am trying to teach the children Math and using scenarios with misleading info

so they have to think to solve the problem and know what info to dismiss as not required.

Impossible you could never educate any Thai, I repeat any to Western Levels 🤡

6 hours ago, The Alien said:

If so, why the CCIB not take action promptly instead of warning?  

Simple. No money in it for them. 🤷🏼

I am getting closer and closer to “hearing it all” in my lifetime.  

8 hours ago, Surasak said:

And the necessity of the phone call?! Because the addressing system is so bloody chaotic! My house number is 73, and the houses either side are numbered 221 & 85!? Also, the road has a Soi number and a road name.

Any building in the UK can be found via the house number and the post code. Not sure it is available now, but the details of any address in the UK could be found on the Post Office web site.

It is obvious confusion reigns in Thailand. 

It is also to inform you that the parcel will arrive soon and to check if someone is at home to accept delivery.

15 hours ago, msbkk said:

It is also to inform you that the parcel will arrive soon and to check if someone is at home to accept delivery.

Great, unless you work 8am to 6pm

2 hours ago, Surasak said:

Great, unless you work 8am to 6pm

You have a  chance to tell the driver what to do with your parcel, for example hand it to your wife or a neighbour or leave it at your door.

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