On May 9, 2025, staff at Agribank’s former Tủa Chùa district Branch detected and promptly prevented an attempted scam targeting Ms. H.A.T, a resident of the former Tả Sìn Thàng commune. Ms. T. came to the branch to withdraw and transfer money in order to claim a so‑called “prize.” Previously, she had received a phone call from someone claiming to be an employee of Điện Máy Xanh or Thế Giới Di Động stores, informing her that she had “won” a valuable prize and only needed to pay fees or a deposit to receive it. The scammer promised that the deposit would be refunded once the prize was delivered.

Trusting the caller, Ms. T. made four transfers totaling VND 46 million. As she was about to make a fifth transfer of VND 15.5 million, bank tellers noticed suspicious signs. They coordinated with Tủa Chùa district Police and contacted Ms. T.’s family. After patiently explaining common scam tactics, Ms. T. realized the truth and stopped transferring the money.

Online scams are not limited to isolated incidents; they also occur on a large scale with many victims. In early 2025, provincial police, together with relevant authorities, dismantled a nine‑member fraud ring operating in Hanoi. This group specialized in selling fake iPhones online. They created numerous fake TikTok accounts to post videos advertising “official” iPhones at unrealistically low prices, exploiting people’s desire for “cheap but good” products. Victims were asked to pay deposits or full amounts in advance, after which the scammers immediately cut off contact. Each victim lost anywhere from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dong. The total amount stolen reached tens of billions of VND.

Recently, online fraud schemes have become more complex, diverse, and adaptable. One common tactic is impersonating bank staff, police officers, court officials, or prosecutors to make calls or send messages demanding personal information, OTP codes, or money transfers for “verification” or “investigation purposes.”

Another common form is using fake “make‑money” apps, cryptocurrency investments, online stock trading, or unverified e‑commerce platforms. Many people, lured by the promise of quick profits, invested tens or even hundreds of millions of dong, only to have the platforms collapse and lose everything. Once the scam was exposed, all communication was cut off and the fraudsters disappeared.

In addition, scammers exploit people’s desire for promotions or prizes by sending text messages claiming the recipient has won a motorbike, shopping vouchers, or cash, along with a malicious link. Clicking the link leads to a fake website that requests personal information, bank account details, or an “administrative fee” or “tax” payment to claim the prize. In reality, no prize exists, the link is simply a trap to steal money and personal data, which is then used for further fraudulent activity.

To raise public awareness and vigilance, the police have worked closely with relevant agencies to intensify information campaigns. They regularly publicize new methods and tactics used by high‑tech criminals, direct professional units to monitor cyber‑crime activity, and proactively prevent, detect, and stop fraudulent activities early.

Authorities also strictly punish offenders to deter others from committing cyber fraud. Notably, in early June 2025, the Điện Biên provincial People’s Court tried 31 defendants involved in a high‑tech fraud ring operating in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, Bokeo province, Laos. The group used fake Facebook accounts to befriend and gain the trust of victims, then lured them into investing in fake e‑commerce and stock trading platforms. The court sentenced the three ringleaders to 14 years and 6 months in prison, while the other defendants received sentences ranging from 2 to 13 years.

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant: Do not trust phone calls or messages requesting personal information or money transfers, especially from those claiming to be government officials; when in doubt, immediately contact the police for guidance; and never click on suspicious links, install unknown applications, or share OTP codes and bank account information online.

Every citizen should become a “shield” against sophisticated scams, helping to maintain public security, protect property, and ensure community safety.