In 2023, the Vietnam Information Security Warning Portal recorded approximately 13,900 cyber attacks on agencies, organizations, and businesses, and nearly 16,000 reports of online fraud, resulting in damages exceeding VND 390,000 billion (equivalent to 3.6% of GDP).

This information was disclosed by Major General Nguyen Van Giang, Deputy Director of the Department of Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention (A05), Ministry of Public Security, during the workshop "Improving Security and Safety of Cashless Transactions" held on June 14 in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Major General Nguyen Van Giang, the total amount scammed by online fraudsters in 2023 is estimated to be between VND 8,000-10,000 billion, marking a 1.5-fold increase compared to 2022.

Notably, 91% of the reported incidents involved the financial sector, with 73% of mobile device and social network users receiving scam messages and calls.

Despite continuous warnings from authorities and the mass media, and the implementation of numerous preventive measures, online fraud remains prevalent. This persistence is attributed to organized, cross-border crime groups exploiting legal loopholes in various countries. These groups often operate from neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Myanmar, with foreign nationals frequently leading these operations.

The rise in online fraud is also fueled by the lack of awareness and vigilance among social network users against sophisticated cyber scams.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Information and Communications, there are currently three main types of fraud (brand counterfeiting, account hijacking, and other combined forms) employing 24 different methods.

Preventing online fraud is a collective responsibility requiring the mobilization of the entire political system, coordination between ministries, branches, agencies, businesses, and especially the public. Individuals need to raise awareness, understand the methods and tricks used by scammers, and equip themselves with skills to prevent and combat fraudulent activities.

The Department of Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention recommends that people:

Raise awareness and skills to protect themselves online.
Regularly learn and update information on types, methods, and tricks of online fraud from reliable sources.
Be cautious and verify information before making financial transactions online.
Avoid borrowing money online from unknown applications.
Be aware of the risks when investing and trading in cryptocurrencies and digital currencies, as Vietnamese law does not recognize any virtual or cryptocurrency.
Manage and use payment accounts, bank cards, and personal documents with caution.
Do not transfer money or provide personal information, OTP codes, or E-Banking accounts to strangers.
Do not download applications or click on links/emails from unknown sources.
Avoid buying, selling, exchanging, renting, or borrowing payment accounts, bank cards, or personal documents.
Set up two-layer authentication to secure social network accounts.
Limit sharing personal information online to prevent exploitation.
Promptly notify the nearest police agency if suspicious online fraud or illegal activities are detected.

Le My