The Vietnam Cyber Emergency Response Center (VNCERT/CC) has reported a rise in online financial scams, particularly schemes impersonating financial institutions to entice individuals into fake loan offers, thereby stealing personal information and assets.  

The Department of Information Security (Ministry of Information and Communications) recently issued warnings about increasing scams related to bank transactions. In its latest weekly bulletin on online fraud, VNCERT/CC highlighted a surge in phone-based financial scams.  

Scammers posing as representatives of financial institutions have been contacting victims via messages and calls, offering enticing loan programs. Victims are then asked to provide sensitive personal information such as ID cards, citizen identification numbers, bank account details, and other confidential data.  

After confirming the "loan application has been approved," scammers request a small payment from victims, supposedly for loan disbursement or insurance fees. They promise this fee will be refunded along with the loan amount.  

However, once the payment is made, the scammers immediately cut off all contact, leaving victims defrauded.  

In addition to financial losses, victims of these scams face the risk of personal data exposure. This leaked information may be used for further malicious purposes.  

To safeguard against online financial scams, VNCERT/CC recommends:  

1. Stay Vigilant: Be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages or calls offering loans with low interest rates and fast approval processes.  

2. Verify Information: Thoroughly check the credibility of financial companies before engaging in any transactions.  

3. Protect Personal Data: Avoid sharing personal information or transferring money before the loan amount is disbursed.  

Van Anh