ACB Alerts: New Year Scam Scenarios to Watch Out For

ACB Warns of Sophisticated Scams Targeting Users at Year-Start

In a matter of seconds before transactions were finalized, ACB’s banking system detected anomalies linked to two high-tech fraud cases. While victims remained unaware of the trap, bank staff and the monitoring system swiftly intervened, halting funds from reaching scammers’ accounts.

Stock Investment Scam: A Tightening Noose on Victims

On a weekend morning, ACB ONE, the digital banking platform of Asia Commercial Bank (ACB), flagged a VND 30 million transfer to an account on the fraud watchlist. Within seconds, the transaction was suspended.

The sender, Mr. T., a young customer, had fallen for a “profitable stock investment” scheme. The bait was irresistible: an initial VND 300,000 deposit yielded VND 264,000 in “profits.” Scammers then escalated, demanding VND 30 million with a promise of VND 330 million in return. Had it not been for ACB ONE’s automated safeguards, the funds would have vanished irreversibly.

When Mr. T. visited ACB’s Cai Lậy branch (Tien Giang Province) to restore his authentication method, the teller noticed his evasiveness—a telltale sign of remote manipulation. A 20-minute conversation ensued, during which the staff dissected the scam’s red flags: “virtual currency,” “sky-high returns,” and psychological manipulation tactics.

Only after seeing evidence mirroring past scams did Mr. T. realize his peril. The VND 30 million, his half-year savings, was saved just in time.

Exploiting Compassion: A Scam That Preys on Kindness

Another scheme targeted humanity’s greatest vulnerability: empathy. Mrs. X., an elderly customer, rushed into ACB’s Binh Thanh branch (Ho Chi Minh City) with a note detailing a VND 10 million transfer. Her “close friend,” she claimed, needed emergency surgery abroad. Despite the urgent social media plea and a photo of the “friend” in the ICU, the request was a ruse.

This scam exploited guilt and urgency, clouding judgment. The teller immediately spotted inconsistencies: an unclear hospital name and a foreign patient requesting funds to a Vietnamese account. Through patient explanation and case comparisons, the staff exposed the impersonation tactic.

Mrs. X. returned the next day to express gratitude. A follow-up call revealed the truth: no hospitalization, no surgery request. The scam had been foiled.

ACB Urges Vigilance Against Fraudulent Money Requests

These interventions were no coincidence. ACB ONE’s security operates as a three-tiered shield: technology, human vigilance, and standardized protocols.

Tellers, call center agents, and operations teams undergo rigorous training to detect anomalies: hesitation, evasive answers, or inconsistent transfer reasons. Key questions—”Who requested this?” “Why the urgency?”—coupled with pattern analysis, form the backbone of ACB’s unified response: verify, explain, block, and educate.

In 2025, over 37,400 suspicious transactions were blocked, safeguarding nearly VND 2.5 trillion. Early warnings on emerging scams highlight ACB’s proactive stance. Yet, the final defense remains user vigilance.

High-tech fraud is pervasive, but timely alerts and critical thinking can preserve assets. While ACB ONE acts as a silent guardian, users must remain alert. For safety guidelines, visit here, call (028) 38 247 247, or contact your nearest branch.