As the Lunar New Year of 2025 (Tet) approaches, scammers are exploiting the high demand for travel by advertising fake “Tet promotions” and “cheap bus and plane tickets.” This trend has been identified as one of two prevalent phone scams targeting consumers during this festive season.

Exploiting Tet travel demand for financial fraud

The demand for plane and bus tickets surges as Tet nears, making this a prime opportunity for scammers to steal from unsuspecting individuals.

According to reports received by the Vietnam Cyber Emergency Response Center (VNCERT/CC), fraudsters have been impersonating reputable brands and businesses to promote bogus Tet discounts. Victims are enticed by offers such as “cheap Tet bus tickets” or “special promotional flights.”

These deceptive tactics not only result in financial losses but also undermine public trust in online transactions.

Despite numerous warnings from authorities, these scams continue to evolve in sophistication.

Fraudsters often pose as airline representatives or authorized agents, contacting individuals via phone or text with tempting offers. They promise significant discounts and high commission rates to lure victims into making hasty decisions.

Phrases like “Book now before tickets run out!” or “Limited-time offers!” are used to create urgency and pressure victims into acting without verification.

Once the scammers secure payments, they cut all communication and erase traces of their activities, leaving victims unable to seek recourse.

VNCERT/CC advises the public to remain cautious about unsolicited offers and promotions, particularly those received through calls or messages from unknown sources.

For Tet travel plans, it is recommended to purchase tickets directly through official airline or transport company channels. Transactions with third-party intermediaries lacking credibility should be avoided.

Gambling scams lure victims into financial ruin

Another prominent scam involves text messages or calls advertising online gambling or promises of easy earnings, such as “Win billions in cash.”

These unsolicited messages, sent from unverified numbers, not only inconvenience recipients but also lure them into illegal activities like online gambling.

Websites such as **88.ino, w6*66.art, and **88.vc often present themselves as “the most reputable betting platforms in Vietnam.” To attract participants, they offer enticing promotions, including tens of millions of Vietnamese Dong in bonuses for new members.

However, these promises are a ruse to trap individuals into depositing money for gambling, only to lose their assets.

Experts from VNCERT/CC emphasize the need for vigilance against such messages and calls.

Individuals are strongly advised against clicking on links or following instructions to access gambling platforms.

“By refusing to engage and promptly reporting such incidents, people can protect themselves and contribute to curbing these illegal activities,” a VNCERT/CC expert stated.

Additionally, given the persistence of fraudulent texts and calls, VNCERT/CC urges citizens to keep records such as messages or call recordings. These can be reported to telecom providers for assistance or to the Criminal Police Department via their hotline at 0692348560 for further guidance.

Van Anh