In response, the Điện Biên Phủ Power Company in Điện Biên province has launched a wide-ranging awareness campaign to warn customers and residents, helping them recognize and avoid scams, protect their personal property, and contribute to a transparent, safe, and modern electricity service environment.

In recent months, many residents in Điện Biên Phủ city have received phone calls from individuals falsely claiming to be power company staff. These callers often threaten to cut off electricity unless large “overdue” bills are paid immediately. In more sophisticated cases, the scammers send fake invoices via email or messaging platforms, including links to fake payment portals. Once customers click the links and enter personal or banking information, their accounts are quickly compromised.

Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, a resident of Mường Thanh ward, recounted his experience: “I received a call from a man claiming to be from the power company, saying I owed money and would lose service if I didn’t pay. But I always pay my electricity bills on time via bank transfer, so I hung up. Later, he sent me a friend request on Zalo using a profile with a full name and an official-looking photo. He asked for my past invoices to check the system. It seemed suspicious, so I didn’t respond. After that, I never heard from him again.”

Scams like these are becoming increasingly elaborate. Fraudsters often use profile pictures of power company staff, logos, or even fake documents with counterfeit seals from the Vietnam Electricity (EVN). Some go as far as creating websites that closely mimic official ones. These tactics not only cause financial loss but also damage the reputation of the electricity sector, which is actively pursuing digital transformation and improving customer service.

Trần Văn Long, Director of the Điện Biên Phủ Power Company, stated: “Today’s scams go beyond simple phone calls. Criminals are creating fake websites, forging documents, and producing counterfeit staff ID cards. Following the Directive No.3165/PCĐB-KD dated November 16, 2024, from Điện Biên Power Company, we’ve been working closely with local authorities, including the city government, Mường Ảng district, police forces, and local communes and wards, to roll out a public awareness campaign. Our goal is to help customers recognize fraudulent methods and take preventive action.”

The power company advises customers not to follow instructions from unknown calls or messages asking for money transfers to personal accounts. All electricity bill payments must be made through the official channels of the Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC), including: Bank transfers, e-wallets (Momo, Viettel Money, VNPT Money, VNPay...), the power sector’s apps, or at certified payment points.

Nguyễn Thị Liên, Head of Residential Group 5 in Thanh Bình Ward, emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the electricity sector and local communities in raising awareness and preventing cybercrime. “We have received reports of fraud and worked with the power company to organize direct information sessions. We also use Zalo groups in the neighborhood to share updates about scams. For the elderly and those less familiar with technology, who are most vulnerable, we ensure the information is simple, clear, and communicated face-to-face whenever needed.”

Impersonating electricity employees not only leads to financial harm but also undermines trust in the power sector. Customers are urged to stay vigilant, use only official payment channels, and report any suspicious activity immediately. In the digital age, each individual must become a “smart consumer,” aware of increasingly sophisticated and organized scams. Điện Biên Phủ Power Company continues to strengthen its communication with electricity users and recommends that anyone receiving suspicious messages about bill payments contact the EVNNPC customer service hotline at 19006769 for support and verification.