The Department of Information Security (Ministry of Information and Communications) has warned of a growing trend among scammers in ASEAN "fraud camps" transitioning from Telegram to Signal for their fraudulent activities.

Online scams surge during Tet

As Tet approaches, the demand for exchanging crisp, new bills for gifting and celebrations has provided scammers with opportunities to exploit unsuspecting victims.

Victims often report receiving counterfeit bills or incomplete amounts after transferring money to fraudulent accounts. In some cases, scammers block all communication after receiving deposits.

Many victims refrain from reporting these crimes due to fears of being implicated in illegal transactions involving counterfeit money.

The Department of Information Security advises the public to avoid transacting with unknown individuals or using social media platforms for exchanging money. Citizens are urged to report any instances of counterfeit currency or fraudulent activity to the authorities for timely intervention.

Signal emerges as a new scam hub

Cybersecurity experts have noted a significant increase in scams conducted on Signal, a messaging app known for its end-to-end encryption.

Fraudsters are using familiar tactics, such as fake investment schemes, romance scams, phishing links containing malware, and impersonation of government or financial institution employees.

These schemes often aim to steal personal information or persuade victims to transfer money.

The department urges users to exercise caution while using Signal or similar platforms. They should verify identities, avoid sharing sensitive information, and thoroughly check the authenticity of any links, accounts, or organizations before interacting.

Fake bank representatives prey on victims

Another prevalent scam involves fraudsters impersonating bank employees to lure victims into providing personal information or making payments.

These scammers typically contact individuals claiming to offer low-interest loans or requiring updates to credit information. They request sensitive details like identification numbers, bank account details, income levels, and loan purposes.

In cases where victims already have loans, scammers falsely claim imminent payment deadlines or suggest extending loan terms, tricking victims into transferring money or sharing financial data.

Once the information or money is obtained, scammers sever communication and disappear.

Practical advice to avoid scams

The Department of Information Security recommends the following precautions:

Directly contact official bank hotlines to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a bank.

Do not share personal information or follow instructions from unknown individuals, especially regarding money transfers.

Refrain from clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown apps.

By staying vigilant and informed, individuals can better protect themselves from online fraud.

Van Anh