VPBank has urged customers to heighten their vigilance following the information breach at the Vietnam National Credit Information Center (CIC). VPBank has highlighted 7 common scam scenarios and provided 5 key countermeasures.

7 common scam scenarios

Notifying that an account/credit card is at risk and requiring the installation of a link to check or resolve the issue.

Claiming that the customer’s credit history shows bad debt or unknown loans at credit institutions, causing panic and requesting personal information while instructing the installation of apps to address the alleged issue.

Posing as bank staff, leveraging knowledge of the customer’s credit relationships with banks to demand early repayment of credit card balances or loans not yet due, or enticing customers with offers for quick loans with attractive interest rates, which are actually lures to unlicensed, shady lending apps.

Impersonating investigative officers, demanding money transfers to police accounts to “prove innocence.”

Posing as government officials or bank staff, requesting updates to biometric data, VNeID, or tax declarations, sending links containing malicious code to trick customers into accessing them.

Offering to sell documents supposedly related to the CIC information breach, which may contain malware or aim to take control of the downloader’s device.

Using AI and Deepfake technology to create highly accurate fake images or videos featuring the victim’s face, making it difficult for family or viewers to distinguish real from fake, used to deceive during video calls.

5 countermeasures

Customers have been advised to be especially cautious of these tactics aimed at stealing bank assets.

Do not interact with individuals claiming to be officials from authorities unless their identity is verified.

Do not access links, QR codes, or install apps sent by unknown or unverified sources.

Do not download, share, exploit, or use credit-related data of others, as intentional violations will face legal consequences.

Do not share passwords or OTP codes with anyone via phone, messages, or email, even if they claim to be bank staff.

Do not publicly share images, videos, or personal information on social media. Set privacy and security settings at the highest level.

Customers have been encouraged to refer to information from official sources to avoid panic and exploitation by unrelated organizations or individuals not involved in financial or banking operations.

Raise awareness among family members, especially the elderly, school-age children, and students, to heighten vigilance against scam tactics.

When needing to update bank account information, visit the bank’s official branches, website, or app directly.

Be cautious of requests to access links or install apps. Only download apps from trusted sources like Google Play or the App Store.

Thai Khang