Posing as representatives of Amazon to defraud users is one of two common scams in Vietnam’s digital space from November 4 to November 10, as recently reported by the Department of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Rising threat of phone scams: insurance and e-wallet impersonations

Phone scams, including impersonating insurance companies and posing as employees of e-wallet providers to steal information and defraud users, were widespread last week, according to a warning from VNCERT/CC.

According to statistics from the Department of Information Security, nearly 12,500 reports of online fraud from Vietnamese internet users were recorded in the three weeks from mid-October to early November.

Of these, scams involving fake banking and e-commerce websites made up a significant portion.

In particular, among the 20 fraudulent websites flagged for public awareness, 11 were fake sites imitating e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, and Tiki.

In addition to technical measures to prevent these threats, the Department of Information Security continues to maintain regular public awareness campaigns to inform citizens of common scams and precautionary measures.

The following two scam methods were most commonly observed in Vietnam’s digital space from November 4 to November 10.

Deceptive advertising of "traditional healers" to exploit the sick

Recently, misleading online ads promoting so-called "traditional healers" and herbal remedies claimed to cure chronic illnesses, particularly on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

The Department of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacy Management under the Ministry of Health has also received numerous complaints from legitimate traditional medicine practitioners, reporting that their names and herbal formulas are being misused in false advertisements online, endangering public health.

Citizens are also advised not to join online groups offering unverified medical services, to avoid purchasing unknown or untested medicines, and to refrain from conducting transactions with unidentified parties.

When seeking medical treatment, citizens are encouraged to visit reputable hospitals or licensed medical facilities to ensure safety.

For those unable to visit a medical facility in person, only licensed, official online platforms with verified doctor identities should be used.

Amazon impersonation scams surface, targeting consumer assets

Recently, many consumers reported falling victim to fraud schemes by individuals impersonating Amazon employees.

According to the Department of Information Security, the Department of E-Commerce and Digital Economy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade also previously warned businesses and the public to be cautious of fraudulent information using the names and logos of the department and Amazon Global Selling Vietnam to impersonate cross-border e-commerce programs and deceive users.

Specifically, the scam involves notifying and instructing users to open an account, establish a dealership, and invite family members to join the system, with fake promises of benefits, such as: receiving a 30,000 VND phone card bonus for successfully registering as a dealer, or receiving 200,000 VND support for the first order after opening a shop.

These false incentives are tactics to lure victims into scams, ultimately allowing fraudsters to seize their assets.

The Department of Information Security also emphasized that in cases where fraud is suspected, individuals should immediately contact the appropriate authorities or consumer protection organizations for timely support, resolution, and prevention.

Van Anh