Brian Jeffrey
The Ministry of Information and Communications has highlighted a rising issue within ASEAN, where scammers are shifting their operations from Telegram to Signal for their illicit schemes.
Rise in Online Scams During Tet Season
As Tet festivities draw nearer, many individuals are seeking fresh currency for gifting, which has attracted scammers aiming to exploit people.
Reports from victims indicate they have received fake bills or insufficient funds after transferring money to scammers. Often, after receiving the money, these fraudsters cut off all communication.
A significant number of victims choose not to report these scams, fearing they might be caught up in illegal transactions involving counterfeit money.
To counteract this, the Department of Information Security advises individuals to refrain from engaging in financial transactions with unknown parties or using social media for money exchanges. Citizens are encouraged to alert authorities about counterfeit currency or fraudulent activities to ensure timely action.
Signal Becomes a New Scam Platform
Cybersecurity specialists have observed a notable uptick in scams utilizing Signal, which is recognized for its encrypted messaging capabilities.
Scammers are deploying familiar strategies, including fraudulent investment opportunities, romance scams, phishing attempts with malware links, and impersonating representatives from financial institutions or government bodies.
The aim of these scams is to either extract personal information or convince victims to send money.
Authorities remind users to be vigilant when using Signal and similar applications, urging them to verify identities, safeguard sensitive information, and meticulously scrutinize the legitimacy of links, profiles, or organizations before any interactions.
Bank Impersonation Scams
Another common scam involves con artists posing as bank employees, aiming to extract personal information or coax victims into making payments.
These fraudsters often reach out to individuals with offers of low-interest loans or requests for credit information updates, requesting critical details such as ID numbers, bank account information, income levels, and loan objectives.
For those with existing loans, scammers may falsely claim urgent payment deadlines or propose extending loan terms, tricking victims into relinquishing money or sensitive financial details.
Once they acquire the information or funds, these scammers typically vanish without a trace.
Essential Tips to Avoid Scams
The Department of Information Security suggests the following protective measures:
1. Contact official bank hotlines directly to confirm the identity of anyone claiming to be from a bank.
2. Never disclose personal information or comply with directives from unknown individuals, especially regarding financial transactions.
3. Avoid clicking on dubious links or downloading unfamiliar applications.
By remaining alert and educated, individuals can enhance their defenses against online fraud.
Van Anh
