Caution Advised: Vietnamese Shoppers and the Surge of Year-End Scams

Rising Online Shopping Scams Ahead of Year-End Celebrations

As we approach the festive season, there’s a notable increase in online shopping scams. The Authority of Information Security, linked with the Ministry of Information and Communications, has pointed out that these scams rank among the most widespread forms of online fraud in Vietnam.

In recent years, the prevalence of online fraud has surged both within Vietnam and internationally, with scammers continually adapting their methods to target internet users. Common fraudulent practices include identity theft, romance ploys, impersonation, and investment scams.

During the period from December 9–15, particular concerns have been raised regarding financial investment fraud, counterfeit business websites, and scams aimed at holiday shoppers, as highlighted by the Authority of Information Security.

Prominent brands within the VinGroup conglomerate, such as VinFast, Vinhomes, and Xanh SM, have recently warned customers about impersonators posing as their employees. They emphasized the need for consumers to be cautious when disclosing personal and financial details.

Scammers frequently adopt identities of high-ranking company officials or agents from VinFast, Vinhomes, or Xanh SM to lure individuals into investing in fictitious funds like “investment funds” or “capital mobilization funds” affiliated with these companies.

Moreover, they may offer fake job opportunities, sell counterfeit items, or request upfront payments via phony websites.

The Authority of Information Security has urged vigilance against false information on social media, recommending that individuals confirm the identity of anyone claiming to represent a business through verified channels. It is advised to be cautious of investment offers promising quick returns and to refrain from sharing personal or financial information on unverified sites.

Should someone suspect fraud, reporting the incident to local authorities quickly is encouraged for appropriate action.

Scammers Targeting Holiday Shoppers

The holiday season, featuring Christmas, New Year celebrations, and major sales events, serves as an ideal period for scammers to target prospective buyers. Many individuals have already fallen victim to schemes focusing on personal information theft and financial deception.

The Authority of Information Security notes that scammers exploit the inclination to seek out good deals by sending fraudulent promotional messages that imitate well-known e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Tiki.

Utilizing social media’s capabilities for user profiling, these criminals create convincing fake pages or websites closely resembling those of reputable brands, often showcasing enticing offers at significant discounts to lure victims and extract their funds.

Meta has also warned users about online shopping fraud across platforms such as Threads, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and forums like Quora.

Fraudsters often deploy unauthorized videos with AI-generated voices to push fake product promotions, stressing urgency by claiming limited availability. This practice directs unsuspecting buyers to fraudulent sites for completing their purchases.

With the rise in online scams during the holiday season, the Authority of Information Security urges the public to take extra care when shopping online or making transactions through social media.

Tips for Protection:

• Confirm the identity of the seller, investigate their reputation, and assess product quality prior to any transaction.
• Refrain from making payments or deposits to unknown sellers.
• Do not transfer money or share OTP codes with unfamiliar individuals.
• Stay away from links or attachments sent from unknown sources.