Warning: New Scam Tactics Targeting Job Seekers and Bank Customers in Vietnam
Vietnam’s Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (VietinBank) has issued a warning about a new type of fraud that has been increasingly successful in deceiving people out of their money. VietinBank has noticed a rise in cases of imposters posing as bank recruitment staff, inviting candidates for interviews and asking them to join online groups as part of an elaborate scam.
These fraudsters create a sense of authenticity by impersonating the VietinBank website or fanpage, using the bank’s branding, staff ID photos, and fake documents to gain the trust of unsuspecting job seekers. They then trick candidates into joining online chat groups, where they are instructed to access malicious links, make payments for fake training programs, or reveal sensitive security information, ultimately leading to the theft of funds from their accounts.
Similarly, the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) has also raised concerns about imposters exploiting their brand image for fraudulent recruitment purposes. Agribank has discovered fake fanpages, websites, and emails pretending to offer job opportunities at the bank, with the intention of stealing personal information, documents, and even recruitment fees from unsuspecting job seekers.
The scammers’ tactics are sophisticated, as they directly copy Agribank’s official content and use the bank’s name, logo, and other intellectual property to gain trust. They engage with interested candidates through Facebook, Zalo, or Google Sheets, luring them into providing sensitive information.
Additionally, these imposters create Telegram groups for “online interviews,” pressuring candidates to pay fees with the promise of fast-tracking their employment.
Apart from employment scams, fraudsters are also targeting bank customers by tricking them into installing malicious apps on their phones. These fake apps, disguised as legitimate services such as public services, VneID, tax authorities, or police, are designed to steal personal information and funds from unsuspecting individuals.
Banks Warn of Sophisticated Scam Tactics
Vietcombank, another major bank in Vietnam, has also alerted its customers to these scams. They have noticed an increase in cases where individuals are tricked into installing malicious apps, often through persuasive scripts that create a sense of urgency. These apps then steal personal information and drain bank accounts.
Another recent scam involves the new regulation that requires biometric authentication for online transfers or e-wallet top-ups exceeding VND 10 million. Scammers, pretending to be bank employees, reach out to customers via social media and offer to guide them through the biometric data collection process. They request personal details, bank account information, and even ask for video calls to collect facial and voice data. They then instruct customers to install malicious apps, which are used to steal their money and personal information for nefarious purposes.
Reputable banks like Vietcombank and Agribank emphasize that they do not ask for personal information through calls, SMS, emails, or chat software like Zalo, Viber, or Facebook Messenger. They also do not contact customers directly for biometric data collection. Banks urge customers to never provide OTPs, bank passwords, or other sensitive information to anyone, including purported bank staff.
This is a novel scam tactic, and banks are advising customers to be vigilant and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links received via chat, SMS, or email. Customers should also be cautious of requests for biometric data and report any suspicious activity immediately to prevent fraud and identity theft. It is essential to stay informed about the latest scam methods and to practice safe online habits.
If you suspect any unauthorized access to your account, take immediate action by changing your passwords and notifying your contacts. Report such incidents to the nearest police station to receive timely assistance and prevent further harm.
It’s not just banks that are being targeted; investment scams are also on the rise. MB Securities (MBS) has warned investors about sophisticated scams involving the misuse of the MBS brand and the impersonation of its leadership and staff. Scammers lure victims into investing through fake apps, using the stolen identities of MBS employees to gain trust and provide investment advice.
MBS advises investors to be cautious of calls from unfamiliar numbers, such as 028888xxxxx/029999xxxxx/028899xxxxx/029988xxxxx/…, and anonymous mobile numbers. Be wary of anyone claiming to be an MBS expert or leader and offering investment advice through private messages.
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