Hsu/Thet Paing (NSS)-Oct 12

According to information obtained by The Statesman journal, incidents of takng national registration card photo in exchange for payment being misused for fraudulent purposes have become increasingly widespread. It is learned that the amounts  the victims received for such ID photo range from 5,000 kyats to tens of thousands.

These registration photos are reportedly being misused to facilitate online fraud, such as opening fraudulent online banking accounts and channeling financial support to illegal organizations.

“One person purchased an ID online for tens of thousands of kyats and soon after it, the buyer accessed other people's accounts or carried out online scams, then transferred money into his accounts. When the police investigated, the original ID holder of the account denied any involvement, but the KPay system confirmed that the names and registrations matched. Such cases have increased significantly in recent times,” said a prosecutor.

In Meikhtila Township, about 15 people in one village agreed to have the front and back sides of their registration cards photographed for K 5,000 each. Following this, one old woman among them was accused of and prosecuted for financially supporting an illegal organization.

“One elderly woman, who was not even skilful in using a phone, was accused of managing funds for illegal armed groups. After getting 5,000 kyats and submitting photos for registration, KPay accounts were opened and misused. Only the registered owner faces consequences, while banks bear no responsibility in these cases,” said a person assisting that elderly woman.

A warning from an anonymous source in anti-crime operations indicates that online fraudsters are actively targeting unsuspecting citizens to collect their personal data. 

“They target simple rural people. This collection of registration photos happens because people don’t fully understand. They thought that we receive money just for allowing these registration cards to be photographed, but it is dangerous and should not be trusted lightly. We also know that fake registrations under various names may exist and that these details could be sold. Once your information is out there, you never know where it might end up,” he said. –