They don’t use violence. They don’t even need to be in the same city. But these digital criminals know exactly how to trap their victims - by isolating them, manipulating their fear, and making them obey.

This new scam, dubbed “online abduction”, has become increasingly common. It’s not just a financial threat; experts warn that it could be a gateway to even darker crimes like human trafficking or forced labor if not detected in time.

According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, although general fraud cases were reportedly under control in Q3 2025, cyber scams are becoming harder to identify. In the first eight months of 2025 alone, more than 1,500 online fraud cases were recorded across the country - up 65% year-on-year - causing estimated losses of over 1,660 billion VND (around USD 70 million).

Amid this digital crime wave, online abduction stands out as especially dangerous. The perpetrators never make physical contact. They use only phones and social media, carefully scripted psychological manipulation, and false identities to make victims isolate themselves, cut off contact with loved ones, and obey orders under the belief that they are in real danger.

And more often than not, the victims are Gen Z - digital natives who may be fluent in technology, but emotionally unprepared for such calculated psychological attacks.

Why Gen Z keeps falling for it

According to psychologist Mai Viet Duc of the Nhan Hoa Viet Center for Psychological Counseling and Therapy, the issue isn’t ignorance - it’s developmental vulnerability.

“Young people aren’t getting scammed because they’re naive,” Duc explains. “They’re in a stage of psychological development where emotional regulation and risk assessment are still maturing. They react quickly to threats - especially ones tied to shame or pressure - and that leads to impulsive decisions.”

At the same time, having grown up in a digital environment, Gen Z tends to overestimate their ability to spot scams. They may feel immune, thinking that their tech fluency will protect them. But online abduction doesn’t rely on advanced hacking. It preys on emotion - on fear, isolation, and panic.

Duc outlines three key emotional traits that scammers often exploit in Gen Z:

1. Fear of judgment and disappointing their family.

Many scammers impersonate police or government agencies and accuse the victim of legal or moral wrongdoing. The threat of bringing shame to themselves or their families triggers intense anxiety - leading many young victims to keep silent and follow instructions, rather than reaching out for help.

2. A desire for quick resolution.

These scams often impose artificial time pressure, warning of immediate consequences if the victim doesn’t act fast. In the midst of stress and confusion, many young people comply simply to "get it over with", without verifying the legitimacy of the threat.

3. A lack of crisis coping skills.

Despite being active and expressive on social media, many young people feel uncomfortable sharing personal problems in real life - especially with parents or teachers. Fearing blame or criticism, they withdraw instead of seeking help, which plays directly into the scammer’s hands.

Psychologist Duc stresses the crucial role of families in prevention. “If young people grow up knowing they can share anything without being blamed or judged, the risk of falling for such scams decreases dramatically.”

Schools, he adds, must move beyond generic safety lectures. Instead, they should teach students how to spot manipulation tactics, manage fear responses, and develop a practical response habit: Pause – Verify – Reach Out.

“For young people, I always emphasize three golden rules,” Duc says.

“First, the more panicked you feel, the less you should make decisions.

Second, no legitimate law enforcement agency will ask you to keep secrets, isolate yourself, or transfer money over the phone.

And third, asking for help is not weakness - it’s a survival skill.”

He concludes: “Online abduction isn’t just a tech scam - it’s psychological crime. Prevention must go beyond digital literacy. Young people need strong emotional resilience and safe environments - at home and at school - where they’re not afraid to speak up when something feels wrong.”

Y Nhuy