On October 27, IOM, in coordination with the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam, launched the "ThinkB4UClick" campaign aimed at equipping youth with critical knowledge and skills to prevent human trafficking, develop critical thinking, and enhance digital self-protection.

The program comes amid growing concerns over online scams, disguised job recruitment schemes, and complex trafficking operations taking place across digital platforms.

Nearly 300 students, experts, and IOM Youth Network members participated in the event both online and in person.

Half of trafficking victims have higher education

A representative of IOM Vietnam noted that 50.5% of trafficking cases reported to Vietnam’s national anti-trafficking hotline (111) involved incidents that occurred online.

Since its launch in 2011, the 111 hotline has handled 30,170 calls, facilitated 700 referrals, and supported or rescued 785 confirmed or suspected victims of trafficking.

IOM data shows a shift in the nature of trafficking since 2020. What was once the domain of individual criminals is now increasingly run by well-organized, professional networks.

The operating environment has also shifted significantly from physical spaces to online platforms.

Five main methods of trafficking have emerged:

Fake job postings on social media or recruitment websites.
Sham international marriage arrangements.
Cross-border fraud or forced involvement in scam operations.
Exploitation through dating apps or social platforms.
Use of anonymous or impersonated accounts, encryption tools, and cryptocurrency.

In Southeast Asia, IOM’s analysis of 978 cases supported in 2023 revealed that 76% of victims were male, and 90% were between 18 and 35 years old. Roughly half had advanced education, multiple language skills, and basic digital proficiency.

Vietnam has around 22 million young people regularly connected to the Internet. This reality, according to Kendra Rinas, Chief of Mission for IOM Vietnam, makes it vital to build critical thinking and digital self-defense to prevent labor exploitation and trafficking.

She emphasized, “Raising awareness and empowering youth to question what they see online is among the most effective ways to fight trafficking.”

Canada’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Jim Nickel, echoed this view, stating, “Digital literacy is no longer a luxury - it’s your shield.”

The campaign’s core message, "Think Before You Click" (ThinkB4UClick), underscores the idea that each online action could lead to either safety or exploitation.

Every click can be a trap

Frédéric Margotton, First Secretary for Cybersecurity and Digital Technology at the Canadian Embassy in Singapore, highlighted the growing sophistication of global scam operations.

In ASEAN alone, annual losses due to online fraud are estimated at USD 7 billion.

With cybercriminals increasingly using social media, gaming platforms, AI, and deepfake technologies, every click has the potential to become a trap.

A 2025 report noted that AI-generated phishing emails now have a 54% click rate - four times higher than conventional fake emails.

Margotton stressed the importance of pausing to verify information before clicking or sharing online, calling this "our first line of defense."

He recommended using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly checking privacy settings to safeguard personal data.

Critical thinking: Your best defense in the digital world

Cybersecurity expert Ngo Minh Hieu, Director of Anti-Fraud, warned that with today’s AI tools and smartphones, anyone could become a cybercriminal - and anyone could become a victim.

He emphasized that scams now target users of all ages and backgrounds.

Common schemes include urgent messages from impersonated friends, fake job offers, false giveaways, and lottery prize scams.

“This is where critical thinking becomes crucial,” Hieu said. “Who created this information? What’s their motive? Is this fact or opinion? Can I verify it from a credible source?”

He advised everyone to routinely ask these questions when navigating the digital world.

Hieu also reminded users that every online action - posts, likes, comments, photos, and videos - contributes to a permanent digital footprint that could influence future opportunities.

He concluded by urging young people to manage their online privacy carefully and think before they click or share.

Du Lam