Do you think biometric scans protect you from scammers - Think again

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The scammers always seem to manage to come up with new ways to get around protection. Here's the latest:
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Iris Scam Alert: Dopa Warns Against Shopping Mall Scans

August 28, 2025

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.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1371247-iris ... all-scans/