VietinBank, one of the leading commercial banks in Vietnam, has recently issued a warning about an increasing number of scams involving impersonation of their recruitment staff. Fraudsters have been inviting candidates for fake interviews and online groups with the intention to deceive and steal money.
These scammers are creating fake websites and fan pages, impersonating VietinBank and its recruitment team. They use the bank’s branding, staff photos, and even fake documents to gain the trust of unsuspecting job seekers. They then lure candidates into joining online chat groups, where they are tricked into accessing malicious links or asked to transfer money for alleged training programs or job application fees. Additionally, they may request confidential information such as IDs, login credentials, bank account details, and OTP codes, which can be used to steal funds from the candidates’ accounts.
To protect yourself from these scams, VietinBank advises candidates and customers to never join online interview groups or provide any personal or confidential information (such as IDs, passwords, bank account details, or OTP codes) to anyone, no matter how convincing they may seem. It is also important to refrain from accessing or sharing unverified websites or links, as they may compromise your security.
To enhance your safety and improve your online security, VietinBank recommends following these four important steps:
Be cautious of any online interview group invitations and always verify their authenticity. Protect your personal information by minimizing its disclosure on social media platforms. Avoid sharing or publicly posting sensitive data such as emails, phone numbers, bank account/card details, and ID photos online. Stay informed about the latest scam methods and techniques by following news outlets and the official VietinBank website and fan page. By staying vigilant and aware, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams.
Agribank, another prominent bank in Vietnam, has also issued a similar warning. They have received reports from customers about fake fan pages, websites, and emails impersonating Agribank’s recruitment team. These scammers use Agribank’s name, logo, and even duplicate their official content to gain trust. Job seekers, eager to find employment, often overlook verifying the authenticity of the information and fall prey to these scams. Agribank urges customers to be cautious and always cross-reference information before taking any action.
The scam typically unfolds as follows: customers interested in job opportunities either apply directly or respond to an email. They are then directed to communicate via Facebook or Zalo inbox, a Google Sheets page, or a fake information-gathering link. Additionally, they are invited to join multiple Telegram groups for an alleged online interview process. The scammers then use scripted conversations to pressure applicants into paying fees to expedite the recruitment process, promising faster employment. Complying with these requests puts individuals at risk of personal information theft and potential involvement in more serious fraudulent activities.
BIDV, the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam, and LPBank have also reported similar incidents. Scammers, impersonating their recruitment teams, contact aspiring candidates and organize fake online tests, eventually demanding large sums of money. ACB Bank has also warned its customers about these deceptive recruitment tactics.
In light of these alarming trends, banks are urging job seekers and customers to be vigilant and cautious when encountering online applications, links, and social media platforms like Facebook, Zalo, Instagram, and TikTok. It is important to remember that legitimate banks will never charge fees during the recruitment process, request bank account information, or ask candidates to download apps or register for unnecessary services. Always follow the official recruitment procedures and guidelines provided by the banks to ensure your safety and security.
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