Brian Jeffrey
By September 2024, there were 125,338 websites set up by scammers to deceive individuals, as reported by AIS.
This situation has not only resulted in significant losses for victims but also negatively impacted the reputation of various agencies and organizations.
Throughout the first three quarters of 2024, AIS’s technological system processed 22,200 complaints from Vietnamese users regarding online scams.
The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) emphasizes that in addition to tech solutions, raising awareness on internet security risks and equipping the public with skills to avoid scams is crucial.
Below are three scam strategies identified during the week of October 7-13.
As reported by AIS, authorities in Phu Yen have issued alerts about fraudsters attempting to deceive individuals via multi-level marketing schemes related to stock purchases, financial investments, cryptocurrencies, and Skyway digital currency.
Skyway claims to be an economic group focused on air transport technology projects. Founded in Belarus, it raises capital through share purchases from investors. However, they lack the necessary license from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) to conduct multi-level marketing in Vietnam and appear to be violating local laws by enrolling more participants into their system. Those who recruit others can earn significant commissions.
AIS advises the public to be wary of investment proposals, especially those promising unusually high returns. It’s important to verify the legal standing of these companies and consult with reputable financial experts before committing to any investments. Suspicious offers should be promptly reported to the relevant authorities.
Scammers are also exploiting the financial desperation of individuals seeking online loans by posing as bank representatives.
These fraudsters capitalize on the promise of quick approvals and easy processes, leading many borrowers into traps.
Recently, a woman in Cau Giay district, Hanoi, reported losing VND400 million while looking for lenders on social platforms.
The typical scheme involves scammers pretending to be from financial institutions and asking victims to send money to secure loans or cover fees upfront. They lure borrowers in with quick access to funds, without requiring asset verification. However, after application, they demand service and processing fees, pocketing the money without providing any loans.
Some schemes involve fake apps designed to harvest personal data like bank and credit card information. These borrowers risk losing their sensitive information along with their loan applications.
Additionally, certain lenders may initially offer low-interest rates but later impose exorbitant fees and penalties, leading to harassment if payments are missed, including threats and social media defamation.
Moreover, many individuals have reported receiving calls from fraudsters posing as representatives of power companies, asking for personal information under the pretense of resolving unpaid bills.
These scammers often threaten to cut off electricity if immediate payments are not made and ask victims to transfer funds to personal accounts or share sensitive information to resolve the alleged debts.
They also distribute messages and emails containing fake bills and malicious links, prompting victims to download fraudulent applications for payments.
People are urged by AIS to verify any bill payment requests by contacting power companies directly through their official channels.
