As many cybersecurity experts predicted at the end of last year, cyber-attacks targeting smartphone users are a major trend in 2024. With the rapid digital transformation, smartphones are integral to daily life and work, making them an attractive target for cybercriminals.

In the first week of July, the Cybersecurity Authority of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has highlighted a new online scam tactic: impersonating bank employees to guide victims through biometric verification processes, ultimately stealing their assets.

Five common online scam tactics:

1. Impersonating bank employees for biometric verification

With the new regulation requiring biometric data updates on banking apps effective from July 1st, fraudsters are exploiting this by posing as bank officials. They contact users and request personal data, such as home addresses, photos of both sides of ID cards, and bank account information. In some cases, they even persuade victims to participate in video calls to capture their voice, facial expressions, and gestures. Once the data is stolen, fraudsters can easily access banking apps, make online payments, and transfer money from the victim's account.

Additionally, scammers may trick victims into downloading malware-infected apps via links in text messages. These apps allow the fraudsters to monitor the victim's device activities, gaining deeper access to sensitive information.

2. Installing fake public service applications

A resident in Trung Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District (Hanoi) was recently scammed out of 1.2 billion VND by a fraudster posing as a police officer. The scam involved directing the victim to install a fake public service app via a link in a message. Once installed, the fraudster could control the device and transfer money from the victim's bank account.

3. "Easy job, high salary" scams

A woman in Chon Thanh Town (Binh Phuoc province) lost over 2.3 billion VND in a scam promising high-paying, easy jobs. Fraudsters befriended the victim on Telegram, offering a job listening to music and voting for singers with a promised payment of 35,000 VND per vote. After downloading a fake Zing MP3 app and paying deposits, the victim was scammed out of all the transferred money.

4. Impersonating fraud prevention centers

Recently, Ontario police warned about scams impersonating the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). Scammers pose as bank employees, credit card providers, or e-commerce platforms, notifying victims of suspicious account activities. They then send emails with the CAFC logo to gain trust and request personal data and bank information, eventually stealing money. Some scammers even impersonate CAFC investigators, promising to help recover lost funds but instead stealing more personal information and money.

5. WhatsApp scams

WhatsApp, a popular messaging app, is being exploited for various scams, including impersonating friends and family, fake prize notifications, fake app upgrade requests, and phishing for verification codes. Users are advised to be cautious with messages from unknown contacts, avoid clicking on links, and never provide personal information or transfer money without verifying the sender's identity.

Van Anh