In the era of rapid digital technology growth, online scams have become increasingly sophisticated and diverse. Recently, Google collaborated with Vietnam’s Authority of Information Security to detect and block thousands of harmful apps and fraudulent schemes in Vietnam. In January alone, over 360,000 devices were protected from 8,000 malicious apps. Below are five prevalent scams that Vietnamese users should be cautious about.
Online Shopping and Travel Booking Scams
With the rise of e-commerce and online travel bookings, scammers often create fake websites mimicking reputable platforms. These sites lure victims with attractive prices, huge promotions, or special gifts for bulk purchases.
They frequently use “limited-time discounts” to pressure victims into transferring money or providing personal information without thorough verification.
Safety Tip: Users should check the website domain, verify business information, and avoid making hasty decisions when offers seem too good to be true.
Scams Using Deepfake Videos of Celebrities
Fraudsters use artificial intelligence (AI) to create deepfake videos of influential celebrities, especially entrepreneurs, to solicit investments in financial funds. These videos often promise high interest rates and substantial profits, attracting many viewers.
Safety Tip: Be cautious of any investment invitations from celebrities on social media. Never transfer money or provide financial information without verifying the legitimacy of the source.
Scams Exploiting Major Events
Major events like concerts, sports matches, or even natural disasters can be tools for scams. Fraudsters create fake ticket-selling websites or pose as charities to solicit donations.
Safety Tip: Only purchase tickets or donate through official channels. Verify the website domain and ensure the organization is legitimate before proceeding with transactions.
Online Job Scams
This scam targets individuals seeking remote work opportunities or international jobs with high salaries. Scammers post fake job listings on reputable platforms and conduct professional interviews to build trust.
They ask victims to pay upfront fees or provide personal information, sometimes even luring them into illegal activities like money laundering.
Safety Tip: Be wary of job offers that seem “too good to be true.” Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay fees during the recruitment process.
Remote Technical Support Scams
Scammers often impersonate technical support staff from tech companies, banks, or government agencies, claiming that the victim’s device or account has a serious issue.
They request victims to install remote access software to take control of their devices, stealing personal data and banking information.
Safety Tip: Do not grant remote access to anyone unless you are certain of their identity. Contact the company directly through official channels to verify the information.
Conclusion
Online scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. To protect yourself, stay vigilant, verify information carefully, and only transact through official channels. Remember, proactive prevention is always the most effective way to avoid falling victim to these scams.
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